Search the Products Store
Search the Book Store
clog dancing Book Store Index
Privacy Policy
Copyright Notice
Home
|
|
The Ballet Book: Learning and Appreciating the Secrets of Dance |
Author: American Ballet Theatre
Published: 2003-07-04 |
List price: $29.95
Our price: $19.77
|
Usually ships in 24 hours
As of: January 07th, 2009 04:24:51 PM
|
|
|
Customer comments on this selection.
 advance ballet student thoroughly enjoys book
I received this book last Christmas as a present and was so thrilled to have it that I literally sat down for 2 hours slowly flipping through the pages and forgot about the rest of the presents to open. My husband and father-in-law actually left me with my book to do other things since I wasn't going to budge. I cannot open this book without looking through it entirely.
There are very few vivid and enticing books of ballet. I love seeing dancers, true professionals at the top of their game, performing or posing to evoke emotions from their audience. Since I am a perfectionist, I am looking at their form, their shapes, seeing what I can do better. Books such as this one renew my mind and push me harder in class to create that perfect line, find that correct position. I am one of the few that love ballet as much as breathing, and this book captures my love quite excellently.
If you are looking for an excellent visual reference for technique, get Classical Ballet Technique by Gretchen Ward Warren. This is full of step by step photos of rudimentary and advanced steps.
fascinating and beautiful
This book is nothing but spectacular photography and interesting behind-the-scenes looks at one of the most beautiful arts in the world. I love ballet and I can't get enough of it. This book is one of my favorite things ever and it's a great addition to any book collection. Stories, costumes, and props for various major ballets from Nutcrakcer to Sleeping Beauty were a pleasant surprise that added to the quality of this book.
 Behind-the-Scenes and upfront at ABT
A comprehensive overview of the workings of a major ballet company,in this case American Ballet Theatre, with detailed insights from administrators, students, staff, and principal dancers. Not only are various levels of experience explored (from corps to principals) but also some of the training involved and differences between styles of performance: Virtuoso/bravura, Lyrical/Adagio, Allegro. In short, what makes a dancer great or a performance work. There are also explanations of rehearsal scheduling, tech/dress rehearsals, and why time is money too.
The section on the details of partnering--especially lifts and preventing mistakes in timing or perception--was interesting because this is an area not usually covered in simple manuals of positions. Also the sections on what aspects of technique matter--e.g. purity of line, consistancy of positioning--besides the pyrotechniques of 32 fouettes or soaring ballon may help others see it's not all tricks. And finally someone shows proper hands and says no to 'droopy wrists'!
There are a wealth of photographs: Both corps demonstrating positions and rehearsing; Irina Kolpakova, Kevin McKenzie, Kirk Peterson, Guillaum Graffin teaching; Lar Lubovich choreographing; and the principals in performance of the major repertoire. Enjoy the pictures of current and up-and-coming soloist/corps members--some of whom are now principals. There are also one or two photos of principals prepping in their dressing rooms and/or the wings. The contrast between the dancers and the backstage gaffer/fly/grip staff and big$-donors observing rehearsals is also amusing.
All in all, a lovely overview of ABT busy at work bringing insight and enjoyment to us fans, however knowledgeable we are--or not. A good purchase, especially for the details provided and knowing comments of the dancers and teacher/coaches.
decor
A beautiful book with photos and some text.
There is no real explanation of how to do anything ballet.
That is OK. Just understand that this is basically a book for decoration, not instruction.
SO FAR I LOVE THE BOOK, I CAN'T WAIT TO FINISH IT
I love everything about the text, photos. I use do ballet, but I didn't know anything about it when I took ballet. So this book is showing and telling about it. Its defintly a keepsake for me and my kids, grandkids, and so on. Thank you.
|
Similar Listings
|
|
Our clog dancing book picks:
|
|
Search the clog dancing Products Store
LCS Amazon Store 2.5 © 2009
|
