Customer Reviews

Technical Manual and Dictionary of Classical Ballet (Dover Books on Dance)

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It is one thing to learn those complicated dance steps by watching the instructor, but it is another to get what those names in French mean. This book helped me to understand the meaning of the terms used in classes which in turn made it easier to learn the steps in class. This books takes you to another level in understanding the art of ballet.

I found this dictionary to be useful to me with my limited terminology. It describes everything in detail, including many illustrations showing differences between Cecheti and Russian methods. Overall, for beginning to advanced choreographers or students who need a lift in their ballet vocabulary, this is a great reference! It's also small enough to carry with you in a dance bag or elsewhere!

As a pianist who basically got drafted to accompany ballet classes I needed all the help I could get since I knew absolutely nothing about the terminology of ballet. And since my first experience accompanying was for the professionals at the Southern Ballet Theatre, I knew I was in big trouble. This little book helped me immensely with the terms, although I still had tons of problems because I simply did not know what the steps looked like until I saw them rehearsed. For beginners, you are going to need a few references to understand what the instructor is saying because they simply don't have the time to give you private lessons while the rest of the class waits. I recommend this book for all those musicians who haven't got a clue about the language of one of the most beautiful art forms in existence. Heck, I almost sound French when I use the pronunciation guide.

This was a required text for my college ballet classes. I still use this text as an instructor and director. I also teach high school students and I am recommending that this text be used by all students in dance classes. It is superb!

I was pleased with this book, which was given to me as a gift. I had no touble looking up terms and words. The description of the terms, if a complicated ballet step, was a little unclear. As a dancer myself, I think the illustrations in the back were exceptional. I often use this book while I reherse my ballet lessons. I sometimes get confused about simple placement, and which way to turn and stand. The simple yet educational illustrations have really helped in my classes. It is really an extraordinary "ballet dictionary". An essntial aide for anyone who wants to improve their form in ballet, or has a desire to learn about the art.

As a 13-year-old intermediate/advanced ballet dancer, I found this book very useful. I bought it at the first master class I ever went to about 5 years ago, because it was then I realized that there was more to ballet than just "tendu close degage plie". I wasn't familiar with some of the terms the teacher was using, and it helped immensely, especially with the body positions (croise, efface, etc) and pronounciation. Also, my dance teacher recommends this book to us constantly!

I have had ballet studios and educational school for many years. This little unpretencious dictionary has an amazing content. It is full of steps and drawings with the correct ballet terminology, which is carefully explained.
It is a plus that the book tells about french, russian and italian ballet styles. We practice the french style and the dictionary is very valuable for the students and teachers if, there should be any problem.
We keep the dictionary at the ballet studio, and be sure that the students know where to find it.

I used to have a copy of this when I was taking ballet classes as a teen and found it a great way to improve my technique when I wasn't in class. I refered to it frequently when I wondered if I was doing a step correctly or if I couldn't place a movement to a name. At the price, you really can't go wrong.

This book has served as an excellent resource for me in my ballet classes. I am a ballet teacher, even though it's not my strength. With this book, I was able to ensure I was instructing my girls accurately. This is a great dictionary of ballet terms. This a must-have to carry in your dance bag.

Another note, a number of my students frequently looked up terms in my book. Eventually, a few of them purchased it for their reference too. A good buy, in our opinions.

This book is a wonderful source for the technical names of classical ballet steps. I have used it over and over for checking my spelling of movements for papers and for writing dance syllabus. It covers the variations of both steps and names for the French, Russian (Vaganova) and Ceccetti schools. A wonderful resource for teachers and students both.