The Ballet Companion: A Dancer's Guide to the Technique, Traditions, and Joys of Ballet (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "Your mother says you danced in the crib..." (more)
Key Phrases: New York City Ballet, George Balanchine, Tour de Force (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Gaynor Minden, a former dancer who now heads a dancewear company, has been immersed in the world of ballet for much of her life, and in this book shares dancer-to-dancer advice, much of which is aimed at beginning-to-intermediate level dancers, or adults who are either starting or returning to a childhood passion; dancers who have been committed to the art for a couple of years will already know on the finer points of finding a school, how to behave in class and the basic positions and movements, though the crisp photographs of professionals demonstrating steps are quite useful. The chapter on pointework, Gaynor Minden's specialty, is more widely valuable, and the pages devoted to dancer health contain vital information on eating disorders, injuries and supplemental physical training that teachers and students of all levels would do well to review. Brief sections called "The Curious Dancer" give introductions to ballet-related skills and trivia (how to apply stage makeup; ballet on Broadway), as well as intermittent features on great ballet companies and famous dancers of both early and modern times. Her explanation of the differences between the six major ballet styles, along with the superb glossaries of terms and dance history timeline, make this book a valuable resource for dance studios and a great primer for dancers in the early stages of training.
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Review

"This offers a wealth of information as well as being extremely interesting."

-- Mignon Furman, director, American Academy of Ballet --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Fireside (October 4, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 074326407X
• ISBN-13: 978-0743264075
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.4 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #17,603 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 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

By	Reader "Reader" (New York) - See all my reviews

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.

21 of 21 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

By	Joan Marcia Kunsch (Torrington, CT, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely, February 27, 2006

By	Steffi "Steffi" (Georgia, USA) - See all my reviews

I really enjoyed this book. There's almost nothing out there for us adult beginners, and this book fills that gap totally. I highly recommend it for anyone starting out, but would hesitate to get it if you've already been taking classes for a few years.