Ballet for Dummies (Paperback)

by Scott Speck (Author), Evelyn Cisneros (Author) "Welcome to world of ballet-a universe of beauty and grace, aerial pyrotechnics, heroes, villains, and a fairy or two..." (more)
Key Phrases: low fifth position, middle fifth position, high fifth position, Swan Lake, George Balanchine, Sleeping Beauty (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Whether you want to participate in ballet or just watch it, the ballet experience can excite and inspire you. Ballet is among the most beautiful forms of expression ever devised: an exquisite mix of sight and sound, stunning, aesthetics, and awesome technique.

Ballet For Dummies is for anyone who wants to enjoy all that the dance forms offers – as an onlooker who wants to get a leg up on the forms you're likely to see or as an exercise enthusiast who understands that the practice of ballet can help you gain

More strength

Greater flexibility

Better body alignment

Confidence in movement

Comfort through stress reduction

Infinite grace – for life

From covering the basics of classical ballet to sharing safe and sensible ways to try your hand (and toes) at moving through the actual dance steps, this expert reference shows you how to

Build your appreciation for ballet from the ground up.

Choose the best practice space and equipment.

Warm up to your leap into the movements.

Locate musical options for each exercise.

Look for certain lifts in a stage performance.

Tell a story with gestures.

Picture a day in the life of a professional ballet dancer.

Identify best-loved classic and contemporary ballets.

Speak the language of ballet.

Today you can find a ballet company in almost every major city on earth. Many companies have their own ballet schools – some for training future professionals, and others for interested amateurs. As you fine-tune your classical ballet technique – or even if you just like to read about it – you'll become better equipped to fully appreciate the great choreography and many styles of the dance. Ballet For Dummies raises the curtain on a world of beauty, grace, poise, and possibility!

From the Back Cover
"Cuts through the thicket of ballet terminology and practice to reveal the fun."
—Virginia Johnson, Editor in Chief, Pointe magazine & former Dance Theatre of Harlem Principal

Professional dancers demonstrate correct form in over 100 photos

Build poise, balance, and grace – and leap into the world of dance

Don’t know your plié from your relevé? This guide shows you the fun and easy way to practice ballet, from basic and intermediate positions to barre exercises, steps, jumps, and turns. Step-by-step instructions explain how to warm up, choose the proper equipment, and incorporate ballet into your exercise routine – no matter your age or fitness level.

The Dummies Way

• Explanations in plain English
• "Get in, get out" information
• Icons and other navigational aids
• Tear-out cheat sheet
• Top ten lists
• A dash of humor and fun

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Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; Revised edition (October 3, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764525689
• ISBN-13: 978-0764525681
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #55,398 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

67 of 68 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The perfect introduction I have been looking for., October 26, 2003

By A Customer

This is absolutely the perfect book for someone wanting to learn (or learn about) ballet. I have seen the other ballet books out there. Most of them are either too simplistic (showing pictures of various pretty moves without telling you how to do them) or too abstract. This book strikes the ideal balance. It is practical and thorough. It doesn't assume any prior experience in ballet, but goes from square 1 to a quite advanced level. It takes you through the same logical sequence of moves that all dancers learn. It offers tons of tips and inside information that only ballet dancers know. It's very well written and easy to read. The expert authors are knowledgeable, patient, and VERY FUNNY. (A laugh on every page -- I didn't expect that added bonus.). And it has what seems like about a million beautiful photographs illustrating each move in great detail. I can't say enough great things about this book. It's the book I've been waiting for. Buy it!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for beginners!!, January 4, 2008

By	Irina "life is good" (USA) - See all my reviews

I like this book.This book is what I was looking for.It covers all basics with a very simple description and you don`t have to dig for the further explanation somwhere else.Author do not assume that every person in the world knows at least 1% of ballet terminology.
Thanks a lot for this book!This is what I was looking for

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for a nebie to ballet, October 1, 2008

By	R. Luty "Eaglenutt" (Rochester, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have just recently started to watch ballet, so I thought I would pick up a book so I understand it better. This book does that with vigour and great explanation. From the moves to the history and everything else you would need to get started in ballet or just appreciate it more like me.