The Ballet Book

by Darcey Bussell, The Royal Ballet School (In Association With)

Does the poise, grace, and beauty of a prima ballerina take your breath away? Ever dreamt of landing that perfect pirouette?

Covering everything from basic positions to the finesse of a pas de deux, this inspiring book will help your child pursue the elegant dance form of ballet. Perfect your port de bras and learn how to dance adagio and allegro. You will even find out the best way to look after your ballet shoes and ensure your make up is just right for your first night on stage. 

Using gorgeous photos of ballet dancers and easy-to-follow instructions, one of the world’s finest ballet dancers Darcey Bussell will teach you various poses, jumps, and exercises, as well as advanced moves and pointework. 

You will also discover folk and character dancing and read about the great choreographers and composers throughout ballet's history. 

The Ballet Book  beautifully illustrates the world of ballet with captivating notes on classical techniques, the evolution of the dance form, the world’s greatest dancers, and a fascinating look on what goes on behind the scene. 

Budding ballet dancers, this one's for you!

Genres: Nonfiction, Childrens

72 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2006

About the author

Darcey Andrea Bussell CBE is an English dancer and former prima ballerina of The Royal Ballet, a major international ballet company based in London, England. She is widely considered to be one of the greatest English ballerinas of all time.

Reviews

[Russell Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darcey Bussell’s The Ballet Book is a wonderful book for children who are considering ballet lessons or want to know more about the mechanics of ballet. Bussell’s book is filled with copious photographs of not only Bussell, herself a prima ballerina, in her famous roles, but also child ballet dancers demonstrating the various steps that make up classical ballet. The child reader most likely won’t be able to self-teach with these photos, but they will undoubtedly gain a knowledge of how the steps are done and, if already in class, perhaps use the descriptions to “check” themselves when practicing alone. Practicing alone is cautioned against once a child is more advanced, however. The publisher of this book is famous for its beautiful books, and this certainly is worthy. The Ballet Book would make a lovely gift for a child.

[DarceyEverett]

I Love Darcey Bussle
It's my birthday 🎂

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've thought about taking Ballet (and I am now^_^) and this was the first book I came across. It has everything! What to wear, how to practice, being on pointe, and how to prepare for dance. Even if you're not a ballet dancer, this book is very intresting for an in depth look at ballet^^

[Mindy]

recommended by roslyn. has some picts of boys