“Briefly looks at the history of ballet, the life of a professional dancer, and what a beginner needs to know about ballet classes. Full-color photographs of children in class show a series of motions for each exercise.”—Booklist A former prima ballerina presents the wonderful world of ballet to children, from its history to the first dance class to behind-the-scenes backstage. Full-color photographs capture all the magic of satin slippers, tutus, and pirouettes. Here is every fundamental of classic ballet, broken down and commented on, including the basic positions, barre work, and advanced techniques in pointe. Find out how to choose a good teacher, what to expect in class, and what clothing to wear. Follow an entire production from start to finish. A glossary of terms in both French and English completes an entertaining introduction to the art.

Beginning Ballet introduces students to ballet through participation and appreciation as an academic study. This resource details etiquette, class expectations, health, and injury prevention and explores ballet’s history, major artists, styles, and aesthetics. Photos and descriptions in the text plus photos and video clips in an accompanying web resource help students learn and practice beginning ballet.

KIRKUS REVIEWS excerpted for book /website Discover or rediscover the essentials of good ballet technique in this comprehensive, accessible book. Ballet has a reputation as a beautiful but intimidating art form, and those who lack natural flexibility or a typical dancer s body may feel unwelcome in a ballet studio. In his first book, former professional dancer and longtime instructor Jhung dispels that notion, reminding students and teachers of the pure joy that dance can bring while offering clear guidance on how to move with grace and confidence and avoid injury. He talks candidly about his own struggles with demanding classical technique and explains how he eventually learned to work with his body, rather than against it, when dancing. Jhung doesn t demand perfect turnout or high battements from his students; instead, he emphasizes proper posture and alignment, which he convincingly argues are the real foundation of good dance. With that in mind, he moves through a series of exercises, from simple stretches and basic barre work to more advanced center work involving turns and jumps. Lessons begin with an outline of the specific movements and are followed by a detailed analysis of each exercise so that readers will understand why it s essential to perfect simple steps before moving on to more complex choreography. These initial lessons are clearly explained and are easy to follow even for those with no prior ballet training. Throughout, Jhung maintains his encouraging, supportive tone while also discouraging the sloppiness and overreach that leads to strained, inelegant movement valuable lessons for beginners and advanced students alike. A fresh, friendly guide that demystifies classical ballet while providing clear guidance on how to be a better dancer."

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.

Thinking of taking up ballet for the first time as an adult? Or perhaps you're wondering if you're too old to go back to ballet? Coming back to ballet as an adult has been a rather surprising, interesting and rewarding journey for me. The author shares her journey of learning to dance ballet as an adult, which she found was different and challenging in ways very different from when she had been a child. She had to overcome challenges in flexibility and coordination, amongst other things. In this book, she gently introduces ballet to the adult beginner: how to choose the right class, what to wear and what to expect. She also shows you how to progress effectively in ballet, such as eventually going en pointe, developing artistry, taking ballet examinations and much more.

All the basic movements in classical ballet, illustrated with 275 detailed photographs. This unique handbook shows all the basic positions, steps, and movements in classical ballet, arranged in the sequence of lessons usually followed over six years of training. An invaluable practice manual for dance students, it is also a wonderful companion to the dance for ballet enthusiasts or anyone who wants a better understanding and appreciation of the art.

Photographs, captions, callouts, and text provide an interactive introduction to ballet, covering stretching, the five basic positions, and more complicated moves.

Ballet is a detailed guide to creative practice and performance. Compiled by ten leading practitioners, each chapter focuses on an aspect of ballet as a performing art. Together they outline a journey from the underpinning principles of ballet, through an appreciation of different styles and schooling, into the dance studio for practice in class and beyond. With additional insights from highly acclaimed dancers, choreographers and teachers, this practical guide offers advice on fundamental and advanced training and creative development. As well as providing information from dance science research into training well-being, this book supports the individual dancer in their artistic growth, offering strategies for exploration and discovery. Topics include: principles, styles and schooling of classical ballet; fundamental technique and advanced expression; developing versatility and creative thinking; advice on injury management, nutrition and lifestyle; choreography and music and, finally, best practice in the rehearsal studio is covered. 'A wonderfully accessible and comprehensive resource about the individual disciplines involved in ballet', Leanne Benjamin OBE, former Principal of The Royal Ballet and international coach.

Gentle text and delightful illustrations combine to create the perfect book for any budding ballerina. The accompanying CD perfectly captures the beauty and delight of the book.