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Classical Ballet Technique
" Classical Ballet Technique is an invaluable guide for students, teachers, and ballet lovers. It not only covers the broad spectrum of ballet vocabulary but also gives sound, practical advice to aspiring dancers. The clarity of the writing, in a field notorious for its opaqueness, is in itself a major achievement."--Merrill Ashley, Principal Dancer, New York City Ballet "An excellent, comprehensive guide to ballet pedagogy valuable to teachers and students alike. For many years Gretchen's has been a major voice in the dance community, and this extensive work details the study of classical ballet from her unique and expert point of view. I applaud her, and I heartily recommend Classical Ballet Technique ."--David Howard, International Ballet Master and Master Teacher "Gretchen Warren has undertaken a monumental task and has completed it with distinction. Obviously a labor of love, this book's attention to detail and the clarity of its text and photos make it a valuable contribution to the lexicon of ballet. I recommend it to every serious student and teacher."--Thalia Mara, Founding Director, Ballet Repertory Company and National Academy of Ballet; Artistic Director, U.S.A. International Ballet Competition "Congratulations to Ms. Warren for her authoritative book on classical ballet. Thanks are in order too from the many professional teachers, dancers, and students of the art form who will benefit from this book-an essential addition to any dance lover's library."--Lawrence Rhodes, Artistic Director, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens
Gretchen Ward Warren studied at London's Royal Ballet and the National Ballet School of Washington, D.C. She was soloist with the Pennsylvania Ballet for eleven years and ballet mistress of American Ballet Theatre II from 1978 to 1983. She is professor of dance at the University of South Florida and frequently appears as a master teacher on the national and international circuits.
Susan Cook has photographed the performing arts for the past fifteen years. Her work has appeared in Time, Newsweek , the New York Times , and many dance books. Her own books of photographs include In a Rehearsal Room and The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater .
Gretchen Ward Warren studied at London's Royal Ballet and the National Ballet School of Washington, D.C. She was soloist with the Pennsylvania Ballet for eleven years and ballet mistress of American Ballet Theatre II from 1978 to 1983. She is professor of dance at the University of South Florida and frequently appears as a master teacher on the national and international circuits.
Susan Cook has photographed the performing arts for the past fifteen years. Her work has appeared in Time, Newsweek , the New York Times , and many dance books. Her own books of photographs include In a Rehearsal Room and The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater .
- GenresNonfictionReferenceArt
395 pages, Paperback
First published November 28, 1989
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 4, 2024
Though marked as “read,” this is actually always going to be a “current read” for me because I refer to it near-daily when I’m practicing. Having been a gift, for me it is both is a sentimental and useful addition to my library. 🩰
August 15, 2010
Many thanks to Peter for buying me this gorgeous book for my birthday.
This is basically one of the best how-to books for ballet you're going to find. Most ballet steps are in here, along with linking steps, as well as ballet standards.
It's a ballet dancer's bible. I learnt a lot from it (especially tour jetes... my gosh, I just can't do them. But who knows, maybe now I will!), and I'm not even aspiring to be a professional dancer.
The most helpful thing is the photos. Every photo has instructions underneath, but for me, being able to see the dancer do it in the photo is the biggest help. It also has photos showing incorrect placement, posture, things like that. Every chapter also has notes, mostly directed for the teacher. Also, it has wonderful suggestions for teachers, on how to conduct the classroom, steps that should be done every class, along with tips for progression (from beginner, to intermediate to advanced), and suggested combinations.
The only thing I have a grumble with is really quite superficial. Why unitards? Why bodystockings? They look so ugly, especially in black and white. I can't tell you how many times I was looking at a photo, thinking 'is he naked? is she wearing anything?' Oops!
This is basically one of the best how-to books for ballet you're going to find. Most ballet steps are in here, along with linking steps, as well as ballet standards.
It's a ballet dancer's bible. I learnt a lot from it (especially tour jetes... my gosh, I just can't do them. But who knows, maybe now I will!), and I'm not even aspiring to be a professional dancer.
The most helpful thing is the photos. Every photo has instructions underneath, but for me, being able to see the dancer do it in the photo is the biggest help. It also has photos showing incorrect placement, posture, things like that. Every chapter also has notes, mostly directed for the teacher. Also, it has wonderful suggestions for teachers, on how to conduct the classroom, steps that should be done every class, along with tips for progression (from beginner, to intermediate to advanced), and suggested combinations.
The only thing I have a grumble with is really quite superficial. Why unitards? Why bodystockings? They look so ugly, especially in black and white. I can't tell you how many times I was looking at a photo, thinking 'is he naked? is she wearing anything?' Oops!
March 25, 2009
so many important things to learn...
August 11, 2010
This book is a great reference for any aspiring ballerina! The books is full of detailed pictures & instructions for correctly executing each step! A MUST HAVE for a ballerina's library!
June 18, 2019
This is a well thought book. It is sorta old. Pictures are descriptive and clear. One can get the basic idea of the technique to apply to one's practice. Alternatively, watch a video to reinforce.
What is amazing is that the book covers a large number of movements. It shows the various names for the same movement. Worth checking out.
What is amazing is that the book covers a large number of movements. It shows the various names for the same movement. Worth checking out.
October 12, 2016
Great pictorial for all the classic ballet positions, etc. and wonderful reference.
June 16, 2008
The "Ballet Bible". Beautiful pictures of beautiful dancers. She tries to show all ways of doing each step from all schoolings. Although it would be impossible for it to be 100% complete, she does a decent job.
August 4, 2009
An amazing guide to ballet, complete with pictures and descriptions of the movements. There's a reason that we refer to this as the Bible in my ballet school.
May 6, 2021
The most comprehensive photographic guide to classical technique available. It's expensive, but buy the hardcover.
September 30, 2008
Love this instructional book- its very beautifully done and some of the dancers actually went to the same dance studio that I went to as a child and trained with my teacher Marguerite Phares
July 20, 2009
I haven't read it page by page but its a great reference.
January 13, 2009
A wonderful reference guide by a wonderful teacher!
November 9, 2011
I read this book to touch up on my dance skills, and to see if i was dancing correctly. If you dance ballet, ballet en pointe, you should read this book. 4 stars! :)
July 21, 2014
This book was very useful when I was translating a book with ballet terminology: the descriptions are clear and there are lots of photos.
September 16, 2014
Excellent reference book. Uses LOTS of pictures (so much more valuable than lots of text) with hints on what to focus on to get the pose just right.
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June 11, 2017Great for both students and teachers alike!
April 16, 2010
Simply the BEST.
January 4, 2016
This book is a fantastic reference!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews