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The Ballet Companion: A Dancer's Guide to the Technique, Traditions, and Joys of Ballet
A New Classic for Today's Dancer The Ballet Companion is a fresh, comprehensive, and thoroughly up-to-date reference book for the dancer. With 150 stunning photographs of ballet stars Maria Riccetto and Benjamin Millepied demonstrating perfect execution of positions and steps, this elegant volume brims with everything today's dance student needs, Practical advice for getting started, such as selecting a school, making the most of class, and studio etiquette Explanations of ballet fundamentals and major training systems An illustrated guide through ballet class -- warm-up, barre, and center floor Guidelines for safe, healthy dancing through a sensible diet, injury prevention, and cross-training with yoga and Pilates Descriptions of must-see ballets and glossaries of dance, music, and theater terms Along the way you'll find technique secrets from stars of American Ballet Theatre, lavishly illustrated sidebars on ballet history, and tips on everything from styling a ballet bun to stage makeup to performing the perfect pirouette. Whether a budding ballerina, serious student, or adult returning to ballet, dancers will find a lively mix of ballet's time-honored traditions and essential new information.
534 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2005
54 people are currently reading
890 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 8, 2014
I devoured this book. This was purchased for me by my extremely thoughtful boyfriend as a birthday gift after I signed up for adult beginner ballet lessons. I had done a little research on ballet beforehand, mostly to prepare myself for classes, but this book took things to a whole new level. It's written for the uninitiated (such as myself) and is extremely comprehensive. Historical bits are spread out around the book and give both a progression of the art form as well as the juicy interesting bits of history that I personally love. This book is primarily written for those who are or will be dancing. Terms and positions are explained, and every facet of life as a dancer (class, auditions, nutrition, health) is touched upon. The author's tone is immediately trustworthy and likable. When topics are controversial, it's described in enough detail that it's understood but not boring. There's an underlying excitement for ballet and every aspect of it that comes out in both the writing style as well as the topics covered. The author is at once a charming historian, a trustworthy source of health advice, and that cool slightly older ballet friend that I always wanted. The book can be read as-needed ("What's pilates?" "When was the first ballet?" "Why does my ankle hurt?") or, as I did, cover to cover. I know I'll be returning to this book as my skills develop and I want to review positions or seek advice for more advanced topics. Brava!
December 11, 2022
This was super informative! All the info was accurate and easy to read. Would def recommend for those curious about ballet.
January 9, 2011
This is a great resource for anyone who loves ballet. Appropriate for both younger dancers (tween/teen) and adults. Lots of great information and historical tidbits for anyone who loves ballet. The photographs were beautiful and vibrant. I appreciated that it wasn't a female-centric book, either; instead there was a lot of info on men/boys in dancing. And, as an older dancer, I appreciated that it wasn't kid-centric, either. There is something for everyone in this book!
Eliza Gaynor Minden's writing style is wonderful, too. The topics are clear and concise, but have a conversational quality to them. Unlike other ballet books which tend to read like manuals, The Ballet Companion reads more like an experienced dancer sharing her knowledge with others (which is pretty much what it is, since Gaynor Minden is not only a pointe shoe maker, but a former dancer herself).
The quality of this book is just incredible. I was strangely excited to find that the book had a ribbon bookmark. You don't see those in books very often anymore! I highly recommend that this book be on the shelf of anyone who dances or is simply a ballet fan!
Eliza Gaynor Minden's writing style is wonderful, too. The topics are clear and concise, but have a conversational quality to them. Unlike other ballet books which tend to read like manuals, The Ballet Companion reads more like an experienced dancer sharing her knowledge with others (which is pretty much what it is, since Gaynor Minden is not only a pointe shoe maker, but a former dancer herself).
The quality of this book is just incredible. I was strangely excited to find that the book had a ribbon bookmark. You don't see those in books very often anymore! I highly recommend that this book be on the shelf of anyone who dances or is simply a ballet fan!
December 15, 2012
Brilliant book, very informative on all aspects of ballet. I especially liked all the history sections, learning all the names of the steps and how the book is presented is superb. Well worth reading.
February 13, 2009
EXTREMELY helpful book on ballet, which made it such a great Christmas present! (The one I got even was autographed by the author, Eliza Gaynor Minden, which was cool as well!)
February 27, 2018
Whoo -- so I FINALLY finished this thing. I read it like it was a school book basically, and I have to say that it DID help me with some misconceptions I had about certain steps/schools/ballets. And the pics, guys, the pics were fantastic.
A BUNCH of ballet history was in this thing. So if you're going to read it, expect about 70% or more to be historical on ballet beginnings and ballet dictionary.
A BUNCH of ballet history was in this thing. So if you're going to read it, expect about 70% or more to be historical on ballet beginnings and ballet dictionary.
August 10, 2021
Brought to you from the person who revolutionised the comfort, affordability, performance and sustainability of pointe shoes, I loved Eliza Gaynor Minden’s book!
I would have loved to receive this when I was younger - there was nothing which quite fit the bill of both accessible and practical manual of ballet for a student, and beautiful history of the art.
I would have loved to receive this when I was younger - there was nothing which quite fit the bill of both accessible and practical manual of ballet for a student, and beautiful history of the art.
March 28, 2022
I perused this while on vacation. It is a beautiful book that would not be out of place on a coffee table. I was most interested in the stretching exercises as I am a skater and not a ballet dancer.
The advice provided for young dancers seems useful, but I do not have a background in ballet to evaluate it.
The advice provided for young dancers seems useful, but I do not have a background in ballet to evaluate it.
February 5, 2023
I picked up this book to give as a gift to my niece, who took ballet lessons. I thought she would appreciate the techniques and the beautiful photography. I read it so that I would be able to discuss the topic, intelligently. (It took me months to read it. It was like a text book, and I could only take a few chapters at a time..)
January 15, 2018
Great read for those interested in the behind the scenes ballet, or one who has a student interested in ballet.
July 24, 2020
yes yes yes. i love it.
May 18, 2021
So cool!
July 6, 2021
The perfect ballet book that helps you understand the history and how to do some ballet. The book provides some very helpful tips and information.
October 5, 2022
couldn't recommend this more
February 17, 2014
This is really lovely book. I love dance and have studied it as a child and again as an adult. This book is very thorough about all aspects of dance- as a student or a fan.
This book is probably most useful for someone who has been involved with dance for a while and is perhaps getting more involved with ballet- perhaps going to a higher-level school or joining a troupe.
I think some of the descriptions of barre and steps could have been more helpful. The chapter on steps and positions really seem to assume prior knowledge. I would have also loved a little more information about specific ballets.
All in all, this is a good book for everyone who loves the dance.
This book is probably most useful for someone who has been involved with dance for a while and is perhaps getting more involved with ballet- perhaps going to a higher-level school or joining a troupe.
I think some of the descriptions of barre and steps could have been more helpful. The chapter on steps and positions really seem to assume prior knowledge. I would have also loved a little more information about specific ballets.
All in all, this is a good book for everyone who loves the dance.
April 20, 2011
4 out of 5 stars ONLY because I'm not in a ballet class. This book sure makes me wish I were, though.
I am beginning barre work (at home) and the photos in here are great. I really love the tips on what to watch for when you're doing the steps (very helpful for doing it on your own).
There's a little bit of everything ballet in here - practical guides for dancers, lots of histories (how ballet started, the different schools, companies), some mini-bios and an extremely helpful glossary.
I am beginning barre work (at home) and the photos in here are great. I really love the tips on what to watch for when you're doing the steps (very helpful for doing it on your own).
There's a little bit of everything ballet in here - practical guides for dancers, lots of histories (how ballet started, the different schools, companies), some mini-bios and an extremely helpful glossary.
August 28, 2010
Oh, I love the ballet. Thank you, Peter, for getting me this lovely book.
It's not as fantastic as the other ballet book I was given, but this is still gorgeous. The pictures are wonderful and glossy. This book focuses more on the structure of a ballet class, and things to keep an eye out for. It's great for youths, I think, who take ballet. It's wonderful, though, for people like myself who love ballet and want to soak in everything they can when not in class.
It's not as fantastic as the other ballet book I was given, but this is still gorgeous. The pictures are wonderful and glossy. This book focuses more on the structure of a ballet class, and things to keep an eye out for. It's great for youths, I think, who take ballet. It's wonderful, though, for people like myself who love ballet and want to soak in everything they can when not in class.
March 11, 2007
This is a great book to learn everything about ballet. I refer to it a lot when I'm learning new things or have problems with how my body is suppose to work during combinations. There are large, clear, color photos that help explain things step by step. Great reference section and traditional ballet stories.
August 25, 2011
It was very interesting to learn a lot of the history of ballet as well as learning different things from the way you should dress for a class, nutrition, how to take care of your body so you don't get injured, a list of ballets and people who are worth looking up for dances and inspiration, to types of stretches or hand and foot positions or various steps.
July 6, 2010
The Ballet Companion is a must-read for anyone interested in ballet. It talks about finding a class, what goes on in a ballet class, and shows you basic steps. It also talks about popular ballets, dancers, choreographers, and important moments in the history of dance.
February 27, 2011
This book was like the guide for me. All ballet dancers in training should have this book and read it. It shows the fundaments of you helath and how to maintain youself and technique and ballets and principles , its just great and inspiring! It teaches everything yu need to know aout ballet.
May 12, 2012
I Love This Book, I wish I had This book when I was Dancing.
It has a lot of information that you need to know if your a dancer and
It's a great reference book for dancer's of all ages.
I give it 10 stars.
It has a lot of information that you need to know if your a dancer and
It's a great reference book for dancer's of all ages.
I give it 10 stars.
August 29, 2014
As a dancer it helps me learn about the world of ballet. It also teaches me different hair styles I can do for class, reminds me how to sew my pointe shoes, teaches me different stretches & gives me tips for different steps.
July 27, 2015
This is the perfect required reading/book for kids and teen ballet classes. Inspiring, educational, beautifully illustrated. I ask that all my student either purchase it or lend it from the library. We read from it in classes for the littlest students. Great book!
August 20, 2008
Wow, a wonderful book! I really recommended to any ballet lover. It has some history about famous dancers and the evolution of the pointe shoe. Well, if you love ballet, you need this book!
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December 9, 2009
Good for all dancers.
February 7, 2010
loved this book. it taught me a lot
March 20, 2010
A beautifully written book about Ballet and the techniques that add to the grace & artistry of Ballet. Great for beginning dancers as well as those who have been dancing their whole lives.
May 14, 2010
hahahaha... I took like 1 and a half years to get through this... it was so boring as a storybook to read, but it was very helpful!!!! :D
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews