Balanchine the Teacher: Fundamentals That Shaped the First Generation of New York City Ballet Dancers [Paperback]

Ms. Barbara Walczak (Author), Ms. Una Kai (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 4, 2008

An invaluable resource for dance teachers everywhere

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

An invaluable resource for dance teachers everywhere

"Presents us with far more than any other ballet technique books--a rare look into Balanchine's studio from its earliest days to the time of his company's pinnacle years. A major contribution to the preservation of the Balanchine legacy."--Tamara Tomic-Vajagic, correspondent, Orchestra Dance Magazine

"The most compelling aspect of the book for me was the detail of the classes that George Balanchine taught! It's all there! This book is invaluable for all dancers! "--Vida Brown Olinick, former ballet mistress, New York City Ballet

Widely regarded as the foremost choreographer of contemporary ballet, George Balanchine was, and continues to be, an institution and major inspiration in the world of dance.

Balanchine the Teacher is a technical explanation of the stylistic approaches that he taught in New York City between 1940 and 1960, as recorded by two prominent dancers who studied with him at that time. This phenomenal resource replicates moments in the studio with the influential teacher, vividly and meticulously describing his instructions and corrections for twenty-four classes.

These lessons not only introduce Balanchine’s methods for executing steps but also discuss the organization and development of his classes, shedding light on the aesthetics of his unique and celebrated style of movement. This is an indispensable ballet resource and a must-read for dancers, musicians, researchers, and balletomanes.

 

About the Author

Barbara Walczak studied with Balanchine from the 1940s to the 1960s, appearing as a soloist with the New York City Ballet. She has served as a guest instructor at the School of American Ballet and currently teaches ballet in New York City. Una Kai, a founding member of the New York City Ballet, worked closely with Balanchine as a student and later as assistant ballet mistress and ballet master for the company.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: University Press of Florida; 1st edition (September 4, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813032520
• ISBN-13: 978-0813032528
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,142,341 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A comprehensive and excellent source of inspiration, October 26, 2008

By 

D. W. Arkin (NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Balanchine the Teacher: Fundamentals That Shaped the First Generation of New York City Ballet Dancers (Paperback)

This is an excellent book, reminding me of what I learned from my teachers at SAB and from Mr. Balanchine and my time in the company. I love the anecdotes, the comprehensive combinations with musical timing and the detailed combinations. I also love that Ms. Walzak and Ms. Kai state that this is for dancers who have already been trained in classical ballet! An inspiring and useful book in every way. I carry it with me and find myself using it often. A sincere and heartfelt thank you to these two incredible teachers.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Teaching Students about Balanchine, May 11, 2009

By 

G'town dance teacher - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Balanchine the Teacher: Fundamentals That Shaped the First Generation of New York City Ballet Dancers (Paperback)

I use this book to show my students the way George Balanchine taught ballet technique and what his reasons were for teaching this way. I have used several of his class examples to teach the importance of repetition and "getting it right" at the barre, so in turn, it will be danced correctly in center work.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars bbbbbbbbbb, June 5, 2009

By 

Rena B. Garcia "RBG" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Balanchine the Teacher: Fundamentals That Shaped the First Generation of New York City Ballet Dancers (Paperback)

If you teach ballet, their is no master worth studying more than Balanchine. Great book.