33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding! A great gift for anyone who has an interest in dance., November 1, 2005
This review is from: The Ballet Companion: A Dancer's Guide to the Technique, Traditions, and Joys of Ballet (Hardcover)
At last a gorgeous new book that does justice to the bunhead way of life. Eliza Gaynor Minden obviously cares deeply about her subject and her enthusiasm for and appreciation of ballet is infectious. Hundreds of steps and movements defined and pictured, plus practical advice such as how to evaluate teachers or schools or summer programs, how to stay healthy and prevent injury, what to eat, how to audition, how to stretch, the whys and wherefors of class etiquette, the differences among training schools, what to learn from other dance forms such as jazz or modern, plus lively takes on everything from the first pointe performance to ballet on Broadway. Great glossary that even includes dancer slang. Practical, browsable, informative, this book inspires and instructs and shows dancers of any level how to get more out of dancing.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
31 of 33 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Aids to Excellence for Classical Ballet Dancers - (and hints for their relatives and audiences!), October 14, 2005
This review is from: The Ballet Companion: A Dancer's Guide to the Technique, Traditions, and Joys of Ballet (Hardcover)
THE BALLET COMPANION by Eliza Gaynor Minden is a book for everyone whose life is touched by dance -- to any degree, in any capacity -- whether dance is your life, or you're an occasional audience member, or you are godparent to a young dancer. The book is illustrated by, and intended equally for, males and females. The author writes to de-mystify the dance, but this will take none of the magic away. In fact, the reader will love the art with renewed vision and passion after reading her book, which is rich with photos and drawings, and alive with color.
For future dancers: Others may tell you some of what is in this book, but here you will find information no
one else may think of sharing with you. You will learn how to send the signals to your teacher, parents,
choreographer, ballet mistress, casting director, fellow dancers, audience -- and most of all, to yourself --
that you are serious about becoming a contributing presence in the world of dance.
For teachers of dance: Your identity and your lifework are validated at the outset (see p. 3, Teacher's
Credentials). Essentials of what students need to do to maximize their openness to their teachers
are stated clearly and with a sense of humor. Respect and regard for the studio and one's faculty and classmates, grooming, conduct in the theatre: these are only a thimbleful of the relevant, vitally important topics covered to everyone's benefit.
For parents and relatives of dancers: This book presents not only the essentials of classical ballet
training and technique, but also the highest standards of courtesy, consideration, integrity and
(one might say) civilization, to empower a new generation. The author's use of the English language
exemplifies elegance and clarity on every page.
For libraries: THE BALLET COMPANION is an outstanding reference book, both for readers already saturated in the art, and for inquiring minds among a general public wishing to become more familiar with what is involved in the dancing life. From stage makeup to classical terminology, from clear descriptions
of the six major schools, or heritages, of ballet -- to body esteem and injury prevention, from stage
fright to "dancer slang," the varied subjects will tantalize, inform and entertain the reader.
Inserted colorfully and with irresistible appeal into each chapter are the most important elements of
dance history, with attention to dance notation and to many idioms besides classical ballet.
No one is too advanced for this book. Eliza Gaynor Minden's way of expressing technical truths has
thrilled my teaching mind, and is perhaps even more appreciated because of my several decades in the profession. THE BALLET COMPANION is one of the first treasures to be gained by the world in this
21st century.
Book Report by Joan Kunsch
Classical Ballet Faculty/
Associate Director
Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts
Torrington, CT 06790
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
