The Art of Teaching Ballet: Ten Twentieth-Century Masters

by Gretchen Ward Warren

"What a superb and inspiring book this is! It is a celebration of the art of teaching ballet and it will delight anyone who is interested in classical dancing. . . . It is by a dancer, for dancers, about dancing, and we should be grateful to Gretchen Ward Warren for giving us the opportunity to share the philosophy, methods, and, above all, the sheer inspiration of these ten great teachers."-- Dancing Times "The lifeblood of ballet is pedagogy, and the performances in which audiences delight are a result of the dancers' instruction. To better understand the magical transfer of information and artistry, Warren interviewed ten exceptional teachers. They represent different artistic lineages, employ distinctive classroom techniques, and structure a range of varying exercises. Each profile is stimulating, combining philosophical discussions and anecdotal history with sample representative classroom exercises. Ballet teachers will value this addition to the dance literature, and the larger audience of balletomanes will also find it engrossing."-- Library Journal "Warren combines her own years as a master teacher with her clear, detailed writing style to document the artistry of each of her subjects. . . . Students of dance are indebted to Warren."-- Choice

408 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Consuela · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband bought me this book and what a find it was! The author talks with 10 great ballet teachers, all who teach in different styles and use different methods. But they are masters of their art. The author's descriptions of the classes and studios are very complete and I felt like I was there. She also give the syllabus for a class from each teacher at the back of the book. This is a book I would recommend not just for ballet lovers, but anyone who wants to get to the heart of how to teach something great and beautiful to others.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gretchen Ward Warren provides a fascinating look into the classrooms of some of the greatest ballet masters of all time.I only wish someone would have given me this book when I first began teaching ballet! I expected it to be dry but the mix of interviews and in-depth profiles of the instructors alongside the analysis of technique and pedagogical theory made it fun. Highly recommended for every ballet teacher and serious ballet student.

[Shayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It gave good insight into why some teachers are great and not just good.