What do you think?
Rate this book
Technical Manual and Dictionary of Classical Ballet
From adagio to voyage, over 800 steps, movements, poses, and concepts are fully defined. A pronunciation guide and cross-references to alternate names for similar steps and positions that vary from the Russian to the French or Italian schools are also invaluable aids.
156 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1967
126 people are currently reading
560 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 4, 2008
I feel like a nerd putting this book on here...but if you ever need a ballet dictionary, this is a good one!
June 16, 2008
The best ballet dictionary available.
Read
May 26, 2023I've used this book in advanced ballet classes and when working on my own choreography. Also, I've used it when crafting experimental creative writing pieces. You can read one of these pieces in the lit journal Sonic Boom: https://www.thehaikufoundation.org/om...
November 30, 2010
A must have for every reference shelf and dance lover.
April 25, 2011
Who knew there were so many types of pas de bourree?
January 18, 2024
I own this ballet reference guide and am very glad I got it.
It gives an overview of all 3 main methods: Cecchetti (Italian), French and Vaganova (Russian). I really enjoy having all 3 in the same manual, so I can compare and contrast.
It is a technical book/manual and it is a type of a read you will need to go back to often. It is not type of a read you read once and leave it at that. For this reason it is better to have your own copy than borrowing it from a library.
I use it weekly before and after my dance classes.
I also must know all important terms in French as my dance teacher leads our practice in French.
It gives an overview of all 3 main methods: Cecchetti (Italian), French and Vaganova (Russian). I really enjoy having all 3 in the same manual, so I can compare and contrast.
It is a technical book/manual and it is a type of a read you will need to go back to often. It is not type of a read you read once and leave it at that. For this reason it is better to have your own copy than borrowing it from a library.
I use it weekly before and after my dance classes.
I also must know all important terms in French as my dance teacher leads our practice in French.
November 15, 2018
Helpful companion reference for a good ballet class. Solidified my understanding of concepts presented in class. However it would be difficult to fully grasp many of the terms based on the definitions and illustrations alone.
January 22, 2018
Very complete.
April 25, 2020
Must have if you are in ballet world.
June 5, 2020
Awesome book.....the dance language is beautiful......... REVIEW:alessia....the language is french....I know that cuz I do dance
April 7, 2021
this stays on my desk
January 22, 2022
great dictionary !
March 27, 2023
3 1/2 stars
June 13, 2024
an essential
Read
April 8, 2025wait guys did you know i did ballet?
October 4, 2025
Very helpful.
May 13, 2015
Oldie but a Goodie
This is still one of the best resources for ballet terminology around. Spelling, pronunciation, definitions and a quick overview of Cecchetti, Varganova and French school technique differences is included where needed. Most of the terms are in french which is the universal vocabulary of ballet since King Louis XIV. There are also some line drawings to illustrate various positions which are also useful. A must for the aspiring dancer.
This is still one of the best resources for ballet terminology around. Spelling, pronunciation, definitions and a quick overview of Cecchetti, Varganova and French school technique differences is included where needed. Most of the terms are in french which is the universal vocabulary of ballet since King Louis XIV. There are also some line drawings to illustrate various positions which are also useful. A must for the aspiring dancer.
September 29, 2008
Only dancers or former dancers with entirely too much time on their hands will enjoy this. i am totally loving it, as it "tweaks" my memory and helps me understand my enduring love of all that the human body can do.
November 29, 2010
This dictionary is very technical, but very informational. I read it to help with my dancing, and the vocab did end up helping in the long run. I read it through, but I am going through again on my own time to brush up on my knowledge.
January 7, 2008
own copy.....best 4r ballet things....NOT A BOOK!!!!
July 27, 2008
every dancer should have this. Especially if you have ever taught dance. Awesome reference book.
December 27, 2008
A must read for anyone who loves, studies or practices classical ballet. Very helpful dictionary of all those terms that some of us forget over the years.
May 30, 2009
the BEST out there! I've had it since I was 15, and I love it! I even used it in school!
August 15, 2010
All encompassing manual of ballet terms. Great reference.
Want to read
August 17, 2010recommended by roslyn as a great comprehensive guide to ballet
August 5, 2011
In the age of the internet, books no longer seem like an appropriate medium to convey information about dance movement. Time to look that shit up on YouTube...
February 7, 2012
Great source. Good explanations. Visuals could be a little clearer but once you comprehend the orientation of the diagrams it becomes quite easy. Go to book for quick definition of terms and steps.
December 5, 2012
Still an essential reference!
January 29, 2014
Still the best ballet dictionary on the market.
April 25, 2016
The gold standard in its genre. The illustrations are dated but clear. I'm not sure what the practical use of the book is, but alas, perhaps Julie Kent could explain that.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews