Teaching Classical Ballet [Paperback]

John White Jr. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 20, 1996

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The contribution to the dance world is immense...should be read by all teachers of dance as well as students." -- Patricia Walker, Children's Ballet Theatre of New Hampshire

About the Author

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: University Press of Florida; 1st edition (April 20, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 081301395X
• ISBN-13: 978-0813013954
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #699,851 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #52 in Books > Arts & Photography > Performing Arts > Dance > Ballet

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Reference Tool!, June 9, 2000

By 

Hope E. Daniel (Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Teaching Classical Ballet (Paperback)

Mr. White has written an excellent book that no teacher should be without. I found that I agreed with him on so many issues facing teachers in the ballet world today, and immediately sought further studies with him regarding the Vaganova method. After my studies with him, I have carried his book in my bag as an excellent reference tool. The photographs of the basic positions and poses are excellent. The content covers many aspects of establishing a ballet school, including how to build the floor, the stereo equipment, etc. I highly recommend this book to all ballet teachers! A must read! Thank you Mr. White!

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative and Inspiring, April 3, 2011

By 

KLennon - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Teaching Classical Ballet (Paperback)

A friend of mine, who i consider a fantastic ballet teacher, trained under Mr. White. I bought this book because i have always been impressed with my friend's abilities as a dancer and a teacher. Mr. White is so inspiring, it makes me a little depressed! If every ballet teacher were more like him, the ballet world would be a much happier place. I love his advice to new teachers that they attach themselves to a "Master Teacher." My own sad experience as a dancer and teacher included far too many bad examples, and i never had a true long-term mentor. While this book itself is not a perfect substitute for a live mentor, it comes very close and i found it quite helpful.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfull, October 13, 2008

By 

Ana M. M. Leite "Ana Maria Macedo" (Brazil) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Teaching Classical Ballet (Paperback)

Teaching Classical Ballet is a book wich all ballet teachers and dancers need to read. As a RAD Ballet Teacher I really recommend it !!!