Book Description
A New Classic for Today's Dancer
The Ballet Companion is a fresh, comprehensive, and thoroughly up-to-date reference book for the dancer. With 150 stunning photographs of ballet stars Maria Riccetto and Benjamin Millepied demonstrating perfect execution of positions and steps, this elegant volume brims with everything today's dance student needs, including:
- Practical advice for getting started, such as selecting a school, making the most of class, and studio etiquette
- Explanations of ballet fundamentals and major training systems
- An illustrated guide through ballet class -- warm-up, barre, and center floor
- Guidelines for safe, healthy dancing through a sensible diet, injury prevention, and cross-training with yoga and Pilates
- Descriptions of must-see ballets and glossaries of dance, music, and theater terms
Along the way you'll find technique secrets from stars of American Ballet Theatre, lavishly illustrated sidebars on ballet history, and tips on everything from styling a ballet bun to stage makeup to performing the perfect pirouette.
Whether a budding ballerina, serious student, or adult returning to ballet, dancers will find a lively mix of ballet's time-honored traditions and essential new information.
Customer Reviews:
No serious dancer should be without!.......2007-06-08
We give a copy of this book to all graduating seniors who intend to continue their dance career.
If You Love Ballet, You Need This Book!.......2007-04-02
This book is a must have for anyone who loves the Ballet. There is a little something her for everyone, instructors, dancers, ballet enthusiast. It's a beautifully put together collection of photos, descriptions of ballet moves as well as descriptions of actual ballets. This is a wonderful book for research purposes and a beautiful addition to anyone's personal library. The history of dance is also included as well as other interesting bits and pieces of trivia.
Ms. Gaynor Minden's love for ballet comes across in this book. I highly recommend this title if you love ballet or know someone who does.
A Must for every Ballet Mom Library.......2006-03-17
Written in lay-persons terms so I could understand. Every thing you need to know concerning ballet. - From warm ups to jumps, ribbons to toe shoes, healthy eating to injury protection, Ballet history to future diva dancer. I have been able to look up an ache, see what muscles are in the area and then look up the appropriate stretches. All in one book!
And there are 5 glossaries in the back of the book. - Ballet Terms, Music Terms, theater Teams, Social Dances, and Dancer Slang! Don't get stuck with a "Dolly Dinkle"! Be a proud "Bun Head" and be in the know! This may very well be the only dusted book in your Ballet Library.
Poor Mom of Three Darling Dancing Divas.
Lovely.......2006-02-27
I really enjoyed this book. There's almost nothing out there for us adult beginners, and this book fills that gap totally. I highly recommend it for anyone starting out, but would hesitate to get it if you've already been taking classes for a few years.
Demasiado básico.......2006-02-27
Si buscas un libro donde aparezcan los conceptos más básicos del ballet, este es perfecto.El problema es que abarca muchos temas y profundiza poco en todos.
Book Description
With this brilliantly imagined and beautifully achieved work, Gretchen Warren has created the fisrt comprehensive, photgraphicaly illustrated reference and teaching guie on classical ballet technique. In more than 2,600 photographs, Johan Renvall, Cynthia Harvey, Susan Jaffe, and an array o other dancers from such companies as the American Ballet Theatre and the Joffrey Ballet demonstrate in sequence every movement in the classical repertoire, from the most basic to the most advanced.
The book's design matches each photograph with captions that details appropriate teaching techniques and describe the proper teaching techniques and describe the proper execution of each step. A glossary defines common dance terms, and a pronunciation guide provides phonetic transcriptions of French ballet terms.
Customer Reviews:
A review from a 12 year old ballerina.......2006-08-26
This book was great! It's all photos that show you the correct and incorrect way to do almost every step you can think of!! Plie, tondue, jete, frappe, glissade, pirouettes, fouette, grande jete, arabesque, devlope, I could go on and on!
The only thing that could be a bit confusing, was that they had a few different kinds of techniques, which is good, but if you don't know which technique you are, it can be confusing....just to warn people who are new to the dance world.
But I DEFINITELY recommend it!!!!! Half.com sells it for cheaper.
The best book about ballet technique ever!.......2005-11-27
This is certainly the most comprehensive book about ballet technique. As an adult beginner it is extremely helpful when you see a step demonstrated in class an didn't quite catch it, to just go to this book and watch the very comprehensive pictures and try it out. It is also good for widen your ballet vocabulary as it touches different styles/systems as well.
It is a must have for ANY ballet student!
More Than The Basics!.......2005-11-17
Among ballet dancers, this book is considered one of the best references for the professional dancer. It is not really for young beginners. For example, It may give the comparisons between French, Italian, Danish, and Russian versions of a particular step. I like to refer to this in some cases even more than dvd references, since it is often more complete. This book appears to cover center steps more thoroughly than barre steps. For better sources of barre exercises see my other reviews, especially "The Classic Ballet:..." by Lincoln Kirstein.
Great student companion.......2005-11-01
I'm taking ballet classes and this book is an awesome reference guide. The pictures are very clear and the movement clearly detailed so everything's really easy to understand. The author shows the different variations of a movement for each technique (like Vaganova and English) which is a real plus. But the coolest things is that she shows the common mistakes and errors dancers do when executing the movement so you can clearly learn how to do it properly. Another bonus is that all the names are in french and there's a pronounciation guide at the end of the book so you can learn how to pronounce them correctly. French is my first language so I can assure you that the guide is really well done. This is the best book on classical ballet technique I've put my hands onto.
great book for teachers to show to students.......2005-10-31
When I moved to a small town, I was asked to teach ballet at a local studio. Because I had never been a profesional, I was a bit apprehensive, and a bought a couple books for help. Also my teaching methods,especially the placement of the pelvis, differed greatly from the studio director's view. This book, as well as the book, Inside Ballet Technique were wonderful guides to share with my students. Through pictures in this book, I could show my students how poor alignment, like a tucked under pelvis, can destroy your posture and can greatly hinder your development as a dancer. Without this book and its pictures, I don't know if my students would have ever believed
that a neutral, properly placed pelvis is the foundation for ballet. (They had been taught for years the grip/tucked pelvis method) If there are teachers or students out there that think tucking your pelvis under will help improve your posture or that gripping your butt is the end all answer to all technique problems, they need to read this book as well as read Inside Ballet Technique. These two books dispel many of the Ballet myths that are taught every day in classes.
Book Description
This guide provides a thorough examination of the pointe technique and pointe shoes. Dancers tired of their pointe shoes wearing out too quickly benefit from research that illuminates the shoemaking process and tips that show how to best fit, care for, and custom order their shoes. Interviews with ballet stars Martine van Hamel and Darci Kistler reveal their highly evolved but proven methods of caring for pointe shoes. The basics of the pointe technique, different pointe methods, and the history of pointe are discussed. A handy reference on pointe-related injuries and their remedies is included. This new edition offers the latest information on contemporary designs, materials, products, and suppliers. A sampling of pointe technique schools around the country offers an authoritative syllabus for teachers and students alike.
Customer Reviews:
Terrific Guide for Beginning Pointe Dancers, Teachers & Moms .......2007-07-04
This is a great book for teachers or pre-pointe or pointe dancers. Causes you to slow down and really think about what you are teaching and when a dance should go on pointe. My Moms always ask when their daughter will be "ready" Now I have some recommended reading when the simple answers I give are not quite enough for some dancers and parents.
Excellent Resource For Returning Ballerinas.......2007-05-13
The Pointe Book: Shoes, Training & Technique Second Edition
I purchased this book because I am getting back into ballet after several years out due to non-ballet related injuries. I found a lot of useful information, but there were a lot of things that I also wished that the book had included, or had talked more about.
If you have absolutely no experience in ballet, or are not taking any training or don't have an experienced ballerina handy to answer questions, this book is going to be a bit confusing. It is excellent for giving you contact information and company and product reviews for ballet gear providers. However, I did notice that the information contained in the book on some of the companies and their products, particularly regarding pointe shoe sizing, differed markedly from the information provided by the company/manufacturer on their on websites. I would not rely only on the information contained in this book if you are going to purchase pointe shoes using this information. If you are going to order via the internet or mail order, please take the time to either visit a store for a personal fitting, or else contact the manufacturer via telephone, e-mail, or look over their website. Just by chance, I had recently purchased a new pair of pointe shoes by one of the makers listed, and had I used the book's size guide, I would have purchased shoes that were no where near the correct size.
It is an excellent resource for those that are taking class and have instructors to turn to for further explanation, or those that have some degree of en pointe experience. I do wish that the dance sequence sections had been a little more detailed; that section was a big disappointment as I found it was not anywhere near as marvelous as it had been billed.
Overall, there's just no real substitute for an en pointe class with a real, live, knowledgeable instructor in front of you to answer questions. Yet, I wouldn't just write this book off, and I don't think it was a waste to purchase it. It does highlight some good points and information, but it could be a whole lot better--and more complete.
Everything you need to know.......2006-02-27
A really thorough guide to every pointe shoe there is out there, a great history of the technique, and lots of advice on pointe work. A great purchase for anyone interested in pointe work, but there's perhaps so much information on different shoes that it could be confusing for beginners.
A remarkable manual and examination of ballet dancing .......2004-11-13
Now in a new and expanded second edition, The Pointe Book: Shoes, Training, & Technique is a remarkable manual and examination of ballet dancing pointe shoes, and the methodologies used by professionals. Choreographic experts Barringer and Schlesinger apply their years of knowledge and personal experience in the world of fitting and training with pointe shoes to matter-of-factly present how dedicated and athletic individuals achieve remarkable feats of grace and balance. Packed with detail, The Pointe Book is as comprehensive as can be covering everything from different types of shoes to the hazards of learning to walk on one's toes to resources for help with pointe-related injuries and much more. Highly recommended for anyone with a professional or casual interest in the world of ballet.
The pointe book.......2004-07-30
I have found this book very interesting to read, and somewhat helpful. The book is American based which means that not all the information is relevant to an Australian reader such as myself. The second half of the book presents detailed pointe classes which are very helpful, but if you are not familiar with all the terminology you will need a ballet dictionary to use the information. Over all I have found this book interesting and helpful from a student point of view but also think it would be a good read for anyone who loves ballet.
Book Description
Cecchetti (1850-1928) performed and taught in Russia and with Diaghilev's troupe. Assisted by of one of Cecchetti's star pupils, Stanislas Idzikowski, Cyril Beaumont codified Cecchetti's program for this book, which includes a numbered series of instructions for each exercise in addition to numerous illustrations. 109 black-and-white illustrations.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent service and product.......2007-07-19
I am very satisfied with this purchase. The shipping was very fast and the book just great.
Thanks,
Carola Tovar
THIS IS FOR ALL CECCHETTI TECHNIQUE DANCERS < BUY! BUY! BUY!.......2004-11-17
OK, FIRT OF ALL THERE IS NO PICTURE OF THE FRONT COVER SO INCASE YOU'RE WONDERING THERE IS A WOMAN AND A MAN DOING ATTITUDE AND THE TITLE IS ON THE TOP OF THEM , ANYWAYS
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
BOOK ONE- THEORY ..........................PG.17
ILUSTRATIONS TO BOOK ONE....................PG.32
BOOK TWO- PRACTICE............................PG.35
PART.1 EXERCISES A LA BARRE.................PG.35
PART.2 PORT DE BRAS.........................PG.61
PART.3 EXERCISES AU MILIEU..................PG.70
PART.4 ADAGE................................PG.80
PART.5 ALLEGRO..............................PG.210
ILLUSTRATIONS TO BOOK TWO...........FOLLOWING 221
INDEX.........................FOLLOWING PLATE 22
(NOTICE THIS IS THE SAME AS IT APPEARS IN THE BOOK AND THERE ARE NOT TWO BOOKS IT'S JUST DIVIDED LIKE THAT, HISTORY AND TECHNIQUE)
OVERALL IF YOU STUDY CECCHETTI OR SOMETHING ELSE THIS IS A GREAT BOOK WHICH COVERS ALL ASPECTS OF THE CECCHETTI METHOD SO DON'T THINK TWICE AND GO AHEAD AND BUT IT!!!
<NOTE IF THIS REVIEW WAS HELPFUL TO YOU , I LIKE IT WHEN PEOPLE PUT THAT MY REVIEW WAS HELPFUL WHICH I THINK IT WAS BEING THE ONLY REVIEW <<<<<<<<<IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS , DOUBTS OR ANYTHING WRITE A REVIEW AND I WILL ANSWER WHATEVER IT IS YOU WANT
IF YOU WNT MORE ON CECCHETTI VISIT:
WWW.CECCHETTI.ORG
THANKS FOR READING > VALERIA*
Book Description
Teaching a beginning ballet class can be a challenge. Even dancers who have studied ballet for many years may be intimidated by the idea of teaching ballet technique. Teaching Beginning Ballet Technique puts new teachers at ease by explaining exactly what to teach and when and how to teach it.
The authors couple ballet pedagogy with motor learning, teaching styles assessment, and instructional strategies to offer valuable insight and advice for teaching beginning ballet. With its inviting layout and easy-to-read format, Teaching Beginning Ballet Technique facilitates the learning process for both the instructor and the student.
Part I gives instructors the tools they'll need to teach the content in Part II. It provides specific information about the teaching/learning process, understanding the theoretical foundations of ballet, constructing and managing the class, and assessing student progress.
Part II presents a logical, sequential plan that guides instructors through the actual teaching of exercises, steps, principles, and progressions. The authors outline four instructional units, each representing three to four weeks of a high school or college term. Each unit includes objectives, teaching strategies, assessment tools, teacher responsibilities, and performance test content. In addition, each exercise and step is accompanied by a detailed description consisting of
• a definition with pronunciation cues,
• a verbal depiction,
• arm positions,
• standard introductory movements or preparation,
• proper breathing or breath phrasing,
• teaching cues and images,
• an assessment checklist, and
• much more.
The book also contains 215 photos that illustrate proper beginning ballet technique.
A related CD-ROM, Interactive Beginning Ballet, provides another power visual tool for understanding techniques and terminology. The book and CD-ROM are available separately, or you can save money by buying them as a package. See "Companion Resources" for more information.
Customer Reviews:
Technique Illustrated.......2007-03-17
I was asked to teach a ballet class as an extension club activity in my school and was looking for a book that would illustrate correct technique. After carefully reviewing numerous books, I chose this one. I provided what I was looking for.
Good reference guide!.......2007-02-14
As a new dance teacher, I have ordered several books and other resources on teaching. This book is definitely a good purchse - it basically outlines class format and what should be covered for various levels of beginners. I feel it also applies to intermediate students as well. Lots of pictures and descriptions make it easy to understand. I would recommend it for any ballet teacher.
A Great Teaching Aide.......2006-03-19
This is a great teaching aide if you have never taught older beginner dancers. (Teen and older). It is geared more for an academic setting such as a college, but is easily adapted to the studio setting.
Good for a novice teacher.......2002-12-16
I have been teaching ballet for more than 10 years and whereas I found this book quite basic, I think it would be a wonderful tool for a new teacher. It goes into great depth about the differnt teaching styles, constructing a class, dicipline, basic technical concepts, imagery, etc.
I did want to note that this book is written for instructors teaching beginning ballet in a high school or college, not so much for the "Studio" teacher.
If you are a new teacher and not quite sure where to start, this would be a good book for you.
Excellent for Teachers.......2000-12-13
I just started teaching beginning dance classes and I wasn't sure how to go about it. And then I discovered this book. It is an amazing reference. It is in two parts, the first part discusses how to plan your classes and different teaching methods. The second part breaks up one term into four different units and then gives exercises (barre and center) for each unit. For each exercise, it gives the french name, pronunciation, the english definition, a breakdown of the movement including arms, musical info (tempo, timing, etc), a preparation as well as progressions for teaching it. Excellently designed. It is more based on the Cecchetti method and since I prefer certain aspects of the Russian method I changed some things. Overall, this is an excellent book and walks with you along the path of teaching ballet. I highly reccomend it.
Average customer rating:
- Ballet Photography At Its Best From One Of The Best In Photography
|
La Danse
Manufacturer: edel CLASSICS GmbH
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 Ballet
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| Arts & Photography
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Classical
| Dance
| Performing Arts
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
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General
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Hamilton, David
| Photographers, A-Z
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
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General
| Music
| Entertainment
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History & Criticism
| Music
| Entertainment
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General
| Classical
| Styles
| Music
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ASIN: 3937406182
Release Date: 2005-03-31 |
Book Description
Internationally acclaimed Photographer David Hamilton invites the viewer to share delicate moments in ballet. His images of young dancers capture the essence of grace at rest and poetry in motion. These tender photographic impressions are accompanied by musical masterpieces created especially for the art form. La Danse includes unpublished pictures of Rudolf Nureyev, the 20th century's greatest male dancer.
Music CDs: The best of romantic ballet classics, for example: Tchaikovskys "Swan Lake", "Sleping Beauty" and other "invitations to dance", performed under the direction of Günther Herbig, Herbert Kegel and Willi Boskovsky.
Customer Reviews:
Ballet Photography At Its Best From One Of The Best In Photography.......2007-03-20
Do you enjoy ballet photography? Are you a fan of David Hamilton? Do you enjoy classical music? Are you a fan of Rudolf Nureyev? If you are a fan of one or all of them, you'll want to own this fine collectible publication. I recently purchased a copy and find it to be of top quality in terms of professionalism in photography.
The original La Danse, which, I believe was published in 1974? Contained many of the same photographs which grace the pages of this up-to-date version. There's the splendid full page photographs of charming young girls in ballet, and the rare photographs of Rudolf Nureyev.
But in the updated version, there is more, much much more. The book contains 4 Classical Ballet music cds, plus photographs from two other David Hamilton classics, Laura and Bilitis. So in many ways, this up-to-date version is much better than the original version.
If you want to own a book of David Hamilton's at a more affordable price, La Danse will be it.
Customer Reviews:
A great easy-to-read textbook.......2007-06-15
I was assigned this book in college for Dance Pedegogy and found it to be a great resource to understanding anatomy as it relates to dance. It gave me many new insights into allignment, the foot and the hip flexor and not only opened up new posibilities as an instructor, but as a dancer as well.
Great Book!.......2007-01-10
This book is great to give you the ins and outs of why we do the things the way we do as dancers. It gives you a better understanding of how the parts of the body work together to achieve the skills we need.
One of the best ballet books ever written!.......2004-05-26
Ballet is being taught incorrectly all over the world today except for in a few great institutions such as the Royal Ballet School. Valerie Grieg has brought to light the lies that fill so many ballet classrooms today. She explains the technique of ballet simply and clearly and why and how it works. As a student of ballet, I have been incredibly fortunate to have had a teacher who cares about the technique immensely, and it is comforting to know that people such as Grieg still care about the art's technique! If you are either a teacher or student of ballet, this book is a must read! You will benefit greatly from what Grieg has to say.
The best ballet book out there........1999-03-03
I am a young dancer and both my teacher and I have benfited from this book. Not only does it have certain tips, but it teaches dancers about their main asset.... their bodies. The portion about the pelvis not only helped my placement, but everything else benefited from that. My turns were better and so were my balances.
A good quide to understanding your body in dance.......1997-07-29
A well written guide for danceing correctly. The only problem with it is that it is not written for convience or quick reference. Inside Ballet Technique is what every dancer and teacher should know. Buy it, read it and share it
Book Description
“For soundness, for clarity, for succinctness, this manual of basic ballet is the best there is anywhere.”
–Edwin Denby, The Nation
With a precision unparalleled in any other book of its kind, The Classic Ballet presents a lucid text, and nearly six hundred drawings describe and illustrate in minute detail the proper body position, balance point, movement, and attitude of each position and step in the basic classical repertory.
As George Balanchine wrote in his preface: “There are no shortcuts to great dancing, but what is necessary to remember and unalterable in its instruction may be found in this book . . . An admirable source of reference for the highest standard of practice.” It is an invaluable tool for the student or teacher of ballet–as well as a must-have treasure for the balletomane.
Customer Reviews:
These Drawings Are Clearer Than Photos!.......2005-11-17
This is a wonderful book for beginners as well as experienced dancers. In particular, this is one of the best references for barre exercises, but the center steps are well covered, too. This is actually my first choice when recommending barre exercise references, which is reason enough to include it in a ballet library.
Timeless Beauty Revisited.......2004-10-16
This beautiful classic, repackaged by Alfred A. Knopf, will remain a treasured addition to the library of any lover of the ballet. Six hundred stunning illustrations, in 156 plates by Carlus Dyer bring life to the concepts.
Fantastic book!!!.......2000-08-13
I have the hard bound edition of this book, published some time ago by Alfred Knopf, and I never tire of looking at the drawings and appreciating the mathematical precision of classical ballet. The reading of this book will be of an enormous assistance to studying ballet, and it is also invaluable if one wants to study the more technical facets of the subject. Ballet is one form of dance that can be mathematically systemaitized and characterized, and this book is a great reference for such an undertaking. Definitely worth having and the paperback edition with its low price makes it completely accessible to all.
Good Info.......1999-12-28
I thought this book contained good information and the drawings are incredible- although confusing at times. There are many steps described in this book, both advanced and beginner. I find this book a great addition to my ballet collection. As a dancer, it is a good reference book for me when I have a question or uncertainty about a step. This book describes in detail how to preform barre exercises, allegros, turns, pointe work, etc. This is a necessity for all dancers and dancer-wannabes.
Amazon.com
George Balanchine, world-renowned choreographer and founder of the New York City Ballet, made a tremendous impact on the history of American dance by ushering in the era of neoclassical ballet defined by spartan costumes, technical wizardry, and a new musicality. No less important was his immense impact on generations of his dancers. Mr. B demanded an incredible commitment from his dancers, both physically and personally. Many became lifelong devotees with a continuing commitment to his ideas even after his death in 1983. Suki Schorer has dedicated her life to Mr. B's method of dancing. A former ballerina with the NYCB and currently a teacher of advanced students at the School of American Ballet, the official school of the NYCB, Schorer lives, breathes, and sleeps Balanchine's teachings. Balanchine dancers are instantly recognizable, as their technique differs rather significantly from that of other schools. With a teaching style that is her own (she is known for her unrelenting enthusiasm), Schorer translates what she learned from Mr. B for her students and readers of this book. In this technical manual aimed at advanced students and their teachers, Schorer peppers the ballet instruction with stories and anecdotes of her experiences with the great choreographer. The 415 pages and 700 black-and-white photographs of five NYCB dancers demonstrating the ballet instruction are a real testament to how much one has to learn before donning a black leotard and pink tights and dancing to Stravinsky. --J.P. Cohen
Book Description
A highly detailed book on Balanchine technique, written by one of his former principal dancers, now a leading teacher at the School of American Ballet.
When still a young dancer in the New York City Ballet, Suki Schorer was chosen by Balanchine to lecture, demonstrate, and teach--he recognized in her that rare dancer who not only performs superbly but can also successfully pass along what she knows to others. Now, she commits to paper the fruit of her twenty-four-year collaboration with Balanchine in a close examination of his technique for teachers, scholars, and advanced students of the ballet.
Schorer discusses the crucial work at the barre as well as center work, port de bras, pointework, jumps, partnering, and more. Her recollections of her own tutelage under Balanchine and her brilliant use of scores of his remarks about dancing and dancers lend both authority and intimacy to this extraordinary analysis of Balanchine's legacy to the future of dance.
Profusely illustrated throughout with instructional photographs featuring members of the New York City Ballet, this book will serve as an indispensable testament to Balanchine's ideas on technique and performance.
From the Preface
At Balanchine's instigation I began to teach in the early 1960s while still a member of the corps de ballet . . . One day, as I was adjusting a tendu front in a class of nine-year-olds, Balanchine walked into the studio with Lincoln Kirstein, the school's longtime president. As they left, I heard Mr. B say to Lincoln, "I knew she would get down on the floor and fix feet . . ."
I believed in Balanchine. Seeing and then dancing in his ballets made me believe in his aesthetic. Sharing the life of his company and school made me believe in his approach to work and to life in general. In my teaching, in my lectures, in my writing, and in videos on the technique, I have tried to convey not only his aesthetic, but also his beliefs about how to work, how to deal with each other, and how to live . . .
My purpose in writing this book is to record what I learned from him about ballet dancing and teaching ballet, insofar as that is possible on paper . . . By helping others deepen their understanding of Balanchine's art, I hope to contribute in a small way to the preservation of his unique and extraordinary legacy.
Customer Reviews:
Former dancer.......2006-07-26
I was trained in the Balanchine technique, and although interpretations vary on what Balanchine wanted from his dancers, this book is a must have for dancers, teachers and ballet fans in general. Suki was one of the original Balanchine dancers, and it is wonderful that she put forth the effort to carry on his methods of technique and training.
Excellent Treatise on Ballet Technique, But Controversial!.......2005-02-01
This book is a very comprehensive discussion of virtually every aspect of ballet technique, including topics not usually found elsewhere. It should be kept in mind that first and foremost this is Balanchine technique as interpreted by Suki Shorer. Most of what is presented is excellent. I must tell you that among ballet professionals, including those that have worked and studied with Balanchine himself, this book is very controversial. Most tell me that he never asked for things to be done in some of the ways described in this book. To be fair, it seems that he said different things to different people for the sake of expedience, but there are some things that are really difficult to take. The most significant of these is the concept presented in this book of the use of the heels in jumping. It is claimed here that Balanchine told his dancers not to put the heels down when landing. I have never encountered any dancer, both those that worked with Balanchine as well as those who did not, who would ever do such a thing and they tell me neither did Balanchine. It is considered very dangerous to do that and a major source of injury. Other issues are changements and tendus, to mention just a few of the other points of contention. It is important to keep in mind that this book is not a Bible, it is just a mostly good discussion on one approach to a complex subject.
I've waited all my life for this book!.......2001-03-21
Just terrific! Since there are so many schools of ballet, (Cechetti, Vaganova, french, Bournonville...),it's the first time there's a book telling you the difference between the Balanchine technique (much superior to me)and the old way of training,I found this book perfect for anyone interested in Ballet, you can learn so much by reading and the pictures are so beautiful that I framed some.Bravo!
A Wonderful Book.......2001-02-07
This book shows the technique that the ballet master, George Balanchine, wanted his dancers to use to be the best dancers they could possibly be. Being a dancer, I found this book to be quite fascinating, but, you don't have to be a dancer to enjoy it. Even if you get bored with reading, the photographs will certainly captue your intrest.
An Invaluable Guide.......2001-01-11
This book is a comprehensive look at George Balanchine's ballet technique. Balanchine himself thought that he would be remembered more for his teaching than his choreography and Schorer does an excellent job in detailing the technique that he molded for New York City Ballet. The book covers Barre Work, Upper Body, Pointework and Related Releve, Jumps, as well as a section you rarely see covered in a technique book, Partnering. Every exercise is clearly described both in words and with a photograph, and Schorer often includes analogies and other teaching tools that she uses to get her students to understand the particular quality of a movement. This book is an invaluable source of information about ballet technique whether or not you subscribe to what is know as "Balanchine Technique."
I also highly recommend reading "Pointework," also by Schorer, as well as watching the three "Balanchine Essays" videos, where Schorer herself instructs New York City Ballet dancer Merrill Ashley and three students in the areas of Arabesque, Passe and Attitude, and Port de Bras.
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- Novelist to a Generation: The Life and Thought of Winston Churchill
The Pointe Book: Shoes, Training & Technique Second Edition
Technical Manual and Dictionary of Classical Ballet (Dover Books on Dance)
100 Lessons in Classical Ballet: The Eight-Year Program of Leningrad's Vaganova Choreographic School
Classical Ballet Technique
The Video Dictionary of Classical Ballet
