Containing complete syllabi for each of the first three years of beginning ballet instruction, this book is perfect for helping dancers transition into becoming dance teachers and refreshing the skills of current dance instructors.

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

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."

"Every commercial ballet teacher should have a copy. . . . offers solid self-evaluation to every teacher--it separates 'the mice and the Nutcracker'!"--Richard J. Sias, dancer, choreographer, and associate professor of ballet, Florida State University "The contribution to the dance world is immense. . . . should be read by all teachers of dance as well as students in preparatory schools and colleges. . . . Mr. White challenges us to reexamine what we have accepted as excellence in the past and to push beyond that to find what is possible."--Patricia Walker, founder and director, Children's Ballet Theatre of New Hampshire "A service of great importance for any artist wishing to pursue a career in dance. . . . applicable to both experienced and inexperienced dancers and teachers. It gives guidelines to the art of teaching ballet where none existed before."--Charles Flachs, principal dancer, Nashville Ballet From his experience of 40 years in ballet as a student, performer, ballet master, and dedicated teacher, John White offers this work of inspiration and step-by-step instruction on the art and craft of teaching classical dance. Stressing excellence in both the creative and the practical aspects of teaching, White discusses what it means to be a "master teacher"--someone with both a deep love for dance and an appreciation for the grandeur of the human spirit. Good art is usually uncomplicated, he says. Illustrating with 97 photographs, he presents a method of study that includes such aspects of teaching as constructive warm-up exercises, when to begin pointe shoes, the beneficial aspects of pain, and appropriate music for the classroom, as well as elements of the basic lesson. He discusses how to recognize talent and to refine and develop it. He offers guidelines for establishing and organizing a well-run studio. And he presents his personal insights into the art of classical ballet pedagogy--shaped in particular by his study with ballet masters from the Kirov and Bolshoi ballet companies and by concepts from the famous Vaganova Choreographic School in St. Petersburg. The book also confronts the controversial issue of the widespread mediocrity that is notorious in dance schools. Poor training often brings about the loss of talented students and the premature forced retirement of professional artists from unnecessary injuries. By contrast, White says, good teaching can be an exhilarating challenge and a profound joy. John White is codirector of the Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet, located in a Philadelphia suburb, which he opened with his wife in 1974. He has been a soloist and the ballet master of the Ballet Nacional de Cuba and the head instructor and interim ballet master of the Pennsylvania Ballet Company. Since 1980 he has conducted seminars for dance teacers, training more than 400 teachers during this time. In addition, he was a contributing editor and writer for Ballet Dancer Magazine.

A peewee cheerleading squad presents a coaching challenge because of a lack of experience and short attention spans. Knowing how to handle the young girls enables you to make the most of your practice time while helping them learn the basics of the sport. Safety and proper execution are also key for young kids whose bodies are still developing. Plan out your strategy for teaching and building cheerleading skills as the girls become more proficient. This book will take the fear out of the beginning teacher and will replace that with fun! You will learn how to effectively prepare and run a preschool ballet class from start to finish. This includes: -How to construct your curriculum, -How to keep your students interested in your class, -How to teach steps and choreography and most of all -How to have a great time with your students! -Learn tricks to keep your students listening, behaving, and staying safe.

Beginning Ballet With HKPropel Access introduces students to the study of ballet as a performing art and provides instructional support in learning foundational ballet technique. It is ideal for students enrolled in a beginning ballet class at the college, university, or high school level. The book features more than 80 photos and concise descriptions covering basic foot and arm positions, barre exercises, and centre combinations. Beginning Ballet introduces students to the structure of a ballet class, including expectations, etiquette, and attire. Students also learn how to prepare for class, maintain proper nutrition and hydration, and avoid injury. This text outlines the unique history of ballet from its beginnings in the Renaissance to the 21st century and discusses the styles, aesthetics, artists, and significant works that have shaped ballet as a performing art. In addition, related online learning tools present more than 70 instructional video clips and 50 photos to help students learn and practice ballet. It also includes audio clips of ballet terms with pronunciation in French, assignments, and an interactive quiz covering ballet vocabulary, definitions, and translation to and from the French language. Ballet class provides the foundation for learning the dance form, and Beginning Ballet supports that learning through visual, verbal, and interactive instructional tools. Beginning Ballet text and online tools help bring the grace, artistry, and mental and physical benefits of ballet to students. Beginning Ballet is a part of Human Kinetics’ Interactive Dance Series. The series includes resources for ballet, modern, tap, jazz, musical theatre, and hip-hop dance that support introductory dance technique courses taught through dance, physical education, and fine arts departments. Each student-friendly text has related online learning tools including video clips of dance instruction, assignments, and activities. The Interactive Dance Series offers students a collection of guides to learning, performing, and viewing dance. A code for accessing HKPropel is included with this ebook.

Teaching Ballet Creatively offers teachers tips and ideas to make ballet lessons fun whilst teaching the fundamentals of ballet to preschool children. It is supplementary reading for pre ballet teachers and those who teach creative dance to children. It covers rudimentary practices in ballet instruction and creative ways to instil in children traditional protocol. The book includes a range of games, tips and ideas to enrich a standard ballet syllabus. It suggests ways to teach from a child centred perspective to enhance a pupil's enjoyment of ballet and thrust towards artistic growth.

This book offers teachers tips and ideas to make ballet lessons fun when teaching the fundamentals of ballet to children. It covers rudimentary practices in ballet instruction and ways to instil in children traditional protocol. It includes a games and tips to enrich a traditional ballet syllabus.

Children can learn basic ballet steps by following the ballerina into the studio. Brief text accompanies each photograph and provides instruction for youngsters to accomplish a variety of exercises. Perfect for your beginning ballerina. Two-color photographs throughout.