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Technical Manual and Dictionary of Classical Ballet
The definitive guide to classical ballet - Experience the beauty and grace of ballet with this comprehensive guide. Fully describes and defines over 1,100 ballet steps, movements, poses and concepts.
"Miss Grant has made more information available in one book than we have ever had before. Teacher's organizations would do well to consider the use of Miss Grant's Technical Manual as an official textbook." — Dance Magazine
Teacher recommended, Gail Grant's Technical Manual has long been one of the most popular and effective ballet reference guides. Completely revised and updated, this third edition is virtually a new work and should be owned by every student, dance teacher, choreographer, and ballet enthusiast — even those who purchased the second edition. Extensive revision, expansion, and the inclusion of more than 300 new terms have added immeasurably to the value of this concise, definitive manual.
Moving from "abstract ballet" and "adage, adagio" to "working leg" and "wrapped position," the book fully describes and defines over 1,100 ballet steps (saul de chat, jeté enveloppé, failli, entrechat six, etc.), movements and poses (arabesque, épaulement, attitude, en arrière, retiré, à terre, dégagé, etc.), and other expressions and concepts. For each, first a phonetic transcription is provided, then a literal translation, and finally an explanation of how the step is performed, the pose captured, or the movement executed, of how the concept fits in with actual ballet dancing, or of the purpose or function of the idea. A pronunciation guide, cross-references to alternate names for similar steps and positions that vary from the Russian to the French or Italian schools, and a bibliography are all invaluable aids.
But the most important supplement is the15-page pictorial section, drawn by the author, who is both a successful ballet teacher and dancer. Keyed to the dictionary (and vice-versa), these diagrams show clearly the exact foot, leg, arm, and body positions for the proper execution of many of the more common ballet steps and movements. This essential and easy reference is a must for every teacher, aspiring dancer, and ballet class.
With over 1,100 ballet steps, movements and poses described and defined, this manual is a must-have for any aspiring dancer. Learn about the proper execution of many popular ballet steps and movements with the keyed diagrams and comprehensive guide.Expanded content - Benefit from a pronunciation guide, alternate names for similar steps in different schools of ballet, and a bibliography with useful resources. Get that knowledge pathway started by understanding the basics of classical ballet like never before!Comprehensive Guide and Pictorial Section - Dive deep into 15 pages of pictorials that show the exact foot, leg, arm, and body positions for proper execution of all major ballet steps and movements. Enjoy cross-references to different names in the Russian, French, and Italian schools. Explore alternate uses for popular concepts that help fit them in with actual ballet dancing. Understand what purpose or function an idea serves and improve your performance quality like never before!This manual is the perfect introduction into discovering the world of classical ballet! It's the ideal assistance for every teacher, aspiring dancer, and ballet class.
"Miss Grant has made more information available in one book than we have ever had before. Teacher's organizations would do well to consider the use of Miss Grant's Technical Manual as an official textbook." — Dance Magazine
Teacher recommended, Gail Grant's Technical Manual has long been one of the most popular and effective ballet reference guides. Completely revised and updated, this third edition is virtually a new work and should be owned by every student, dance teacher, choreographer, and ballet enthusiast — even those who purchased the second edition. Extensive revision, expansion, and the inclusion of more than 300 new terms have added immeasurably to the value of this concise, definitive manual.
Moving from "abstract ballet" and "adage, adagio" to "working leg" and "wrapped position," the book fully describes and defines over 1,100 ballet steps (saul de chat, jeté enveloppé, failli, entrechat six, etc.), movements and poses (arabesque, épaulement, attitude, en arrière, retiré, à terre, dégagé, etc.), and other expressions and concepts. For each, first a phonetic transcription is provided, then a literal translation, and finally an explanation of how the step is performed, the pose captured, or the movement executed, of how the concept fits in with actual ballet dancing, or of the purpose or function of the idea. A pronunciation guide, cross-references to alternate names for similar steps and positions that vary from the Russian to the French or Italian schools, and a bibliography are all invaluable aids.
But the most important supplement is the15-page pictorial section, drawn by the author, who is both a successful ballet teacher and dancer. Keyed to the dictionary (and vice-versa), these diagrams show clearly the exact foot, leg, arm, and body positions for the proper execution of many of the more common ballet steps and movements. This essential and easy reference is a must for every teacher, aspiring dancer, and ballet class.
With over 1,100 ballet steps, movements and poses described and defined, this manual is a must-have for any aspiring dancer. Learn about the proper execution of many popular ballet steps and movements with the keyed diagrams and comprehensive guide.Expanded content - Benefit from a pronunciation guide, alternate names for similar steps in different schools of ballet, and a bibliography with useful resources. Get that knowledge pathway started by understanding the basics of classical ballet like never before!Comprehensive Guide and Pictorial Section - Dive deep into 15 pages of pictorials that show the exact foot, leg, arm, and body positions for proper execution of all major ballet steps and movements. Enjoy cross-references to different names in the Russian, French, and Italian schools. Explore alternate uses for popular concepts that help fit them in with actual ballet dancing. Understand what purpose or function an idea serves and improve your performance quality like never before!This manual is the perfect introduction into discovering the world of classical ballet! It's the ideal assistance for every teacher, aspiring dancer, and ballet class.
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1967
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 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.
November 1, 2025
Amda book yay!
Actually a very helpful reference and I love the little stick people doing all the steps
Actually a very helpful reference and I love the little stick people doing all the steps
Read
June 22, 2016I'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 16, 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 4, 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.
February 17, 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
July 27, 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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews