Inside Ballet Technique: Separating Anatomical Fact from Fiction in the Ballet Class

by Valerie Grieg

A Dance Book Club main selection, this guide offers a general explanation of anatomy, kinesiology, and technique for ballet dancers, students, and teachers.

Genres: Nonfiction

144 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1994

Reviews

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent discussion of ballet alignment and common problems; great anatomy for the dancer or average human - enough detail but not so much that it is overwhelming or confusing. Will likely re-read again for refreshers.

[Megan R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate how it is geared towards dancers, but I found Grieg’s writing style to be excessively wordy and condescending. As a dancer/dance instructor, I think it’s exceptionally valuable to know the actual names of bones and muscles. Grieg’s vague insistence that dancers don’t want to know these things felt dated and like a Pat on the head. I also don’t feel like she actually addressed her subtitle at all.

[Allie Dykes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book covered so many important aspects of the musculature involved in dance. I appreciated the thoroughness of the anatomy and the details of how to correctly use the body for ballet.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is very useful for all dancers, not just ballet. Valerie Grieg explains anatomy as it relates specifically to dance class. It is very short and does not go into much detail, but I actually think that this is its strength.

[Keith Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inside Ballet Technique by Valerie Grieg is an excellent overview of ballet for the curious as well as beginner & advanced students. An extensive bibliography is provided for those needing more information.

[Katya Rossokhata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book as an introduction to the anatomy behind dancing. Black and white pictures are pretty clear, though the book doesn't really go into details of the kinesiology, just states which muscles are used when. If you really want to know how the anatomy works, better get a more detailed book.