The Ballet Book: The Young Performer's Guide to Classical Dance [Paperback]

Karen Kain (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 14, 2007 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up | Series: Young Performer's Guide

Produced in conjunction with Canada's world-famous National Ballet School, The Ballet Book is a definitive instructional resource for youth and their parents who are beginning to explore the possibilities and delights of ballet.

The book illustrates in meticulous detail -- and through more than 100 photographs - every position, step and pose involved in barre work, pointe work, alignment, classical ballet poses, attitudes, allegros, batteries, pirouettes and arabesques. Age-appropriate and comprehensive, it is a motivational guide, with information on deciding to dance; finding a teacher; musical accompaniment; finding the ideal studio; what to wear and grooming; positions, steps and poses; and exercises and nutrition.

The Ballet Book is a strong guide for both boys and girls.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Grade 3-8-This comprehensive guide, written by a teacher at Canada's National Ballet School, helps youngsters who love ballet to understand the hard work and commitment involved in classical dance training. Bowes opens with a discussion of the basics: choosing to dance, finding a teacher, evaluating a studio, and offering outfitting and grooming tips. Beginning in chapter two, black-and-white photographs and accompanying text meticulously lead a serious ballet student through every position, step, and pose of classical ballet. The pictures largely focus on one child with older dancers used to show more advanced, age-appropriate techniques. There is also a chapter on general exercises that promote flexibility, strength, and endurance. The author concludes with photos of scenes from several ballets and a glossary. Children who have been to performances and who dream of dancing sugarplums and wearing tutus and tights will be fascinated.
Susan Pine, New York Public Library
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Comprehensive guide ... helps youngsters who love ballet to understand the hard work and commitment involved in classical dance training. (Susan Pine School Library Journal 19991115)

A detailed, practical guide for serious ballet students. (Carolyn Phelan Booklist 19991129)

A step-by-step resource for aspiring dancers, it contains more than 100 black-and-white photos of ballet positions and classical poses, most by Lydia Pawelak. (Publishers Weekly 20000201)

Easy-to-understand language ... This book is a pleasure to read because of its smooth, graceful writing, and descriptive explanations. (Susan Shaver Book Report 19990701)

The emphasis is on the joy of moving to music and the lifetime benefits of studying. (Horn Book Guide )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Firefly Books (September 14, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1552093530
• ISBN-13: 978-1552093535
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,013,007 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent introduction for kids!, February 7, 2000

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Ballet Book: The Young Performer's Guide to Classical Dance (Paperback)

This survey of ballet dance for young performers provides a fine introduction for kids just beginning to explore the potentials of ballet. Black and white photos of students in action accompany tips on positioning, pointe work, allegros and ballet classes. A fine guide recommended for young newcomers to ballet.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Really Great Handbook for Basic Ballet Exercises, March 9, 2006

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The Ballet Book: The Young Performer's Guide to Classical Dance (Paperback)

A wonderful example of beautiful ballet technique and poise. It is a friendly and simple introduction to the basics of ballet for any beginner. My sisters and I really learned a lot from this book. I highly recommend this to any aspiring ballet dancer.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 5 Star!, July 26, 2008

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The Ballet Book: The Young Performer's Guide to Classical Dance (Paperback)

I really, really, really like this book. I love the pictures too. It tells you a lot about steps and how to become a healthy dancer. Also, it tells you a little bit about pointe.