Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Good information in a concise package.
I bought this book for my 17-year-old dancer daughter on the recommendation of another dancer.As it arrived when my daughter was away, I took advantage of the chance to look at it fairly thoroughly.I was very impressed by the straight forward nutritional advice and the common sense tone of the whole book.Young dancers tend to do a lot of wacky things; this book gives hope of success by following a more thoughtful and reasoned approach.The personal stories told by various dancers are a method that I know young people respond to well.When my daughter left for her last dance program, this book went with her, unlike many that stayed behind in her bedroom. ... Read more

Product Description
This is the complete definition and pronunciation guide for common ballet terms. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

excellent
Perfect for those that want to know what all the moves are called. It taught me a lot.

A pretty helpful book
This was a very helpful book. The only problem I had was I wished it had more pictures. (It does have some, though). I would definatly recomend it, especially to people who know a few baisic things about ballet, but don't know much.

For the Serious Ballet Student; This is #1 on my List!!!
The Language of Ballet is an extraordinary dictionary of terms and definitions for the serious ballet student. I have been dancing Ballet for 10 years and I still didn't know the correct actual deffinitions and spelling of the terms my teacher used but this book shows you everything from pictures to written definitions. I would give this book 6 stars out of 5 if I could. I highly recommend you order this wonderful dictionary of ballet.

Adv Dancers
This is a great book of adv dancers. Not for someone just starting out. Lots of step/words listed here are never taught/used in normal studio programs and may be over some dancers' heads. But it's very informational if you know what the steps are calls.

Great book. Really focuses on things you should know
this book has all tha awnsers. dont know what a pod-aduex is? its all in here. ... Read more

Product Description
The classic story of the Nutcracker comes to life with this book, theater, and paper doll play set. Read along in the storybook as your paper doll characters (more than 35 of them!) dance their way through three different foldout stages - Clara's living room, the Enchanted Forest, and the Land of Sweets. Place the dolls and storybook in the handy storage envelopes for safekeeping until the next performance! Fun for all ages! Measures 9-3/4'' x 10-1/4'' high. Includes 24-page book. Elastic band closure also serves to hold book open. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

gorgeous book
Such a lovely Christmas gift. Beautiful,delicate but with wonderful illustrations,even prettier than the cover. SOO charming. I'm very glad I bought it.

Loved it!
I was looking for a Nutcracker book that included the Angel role(since my girls are dancing that part) and this book does.In fact, my girls ages 8 and 6 loved it so much, we bought 5 more copies for their friends who are dancing with them in the production.I was impressed with the number of paper dolls, quality of the book, and definitely the price!The story book itself is illustrated with the same paper doll characters, so it is easy for children to locate and place characters onto the 3 scenes of the stage as they read the story.The paper dolls are made of heavy cardstock, but we also laminated ours so they would endure the amount of play they are getting.I recommend this book.

Great book
I never saw the Nutcracker, or at least not that I remember.And I used to study design so I love the super cool figures.But what is really great is that there is a story to go along with the figures.I bought this book for my niece and she really loves it and the combination of the story and the well designed visual aspects of the book make it really special and keep her attention (and mine!).

Wonderful book!
I bought this book/playset for my 5 year old so she would understand the Nutcracker story before we attended the ballet.It is WONDERFUL!She has re-preformed the ballet again and again with the beautiful paper dolls that are included.They did not skimp!There are plenty of dolls for all the scenes in the ballet and the dolls (and the book) are beautifully illustrated!It's so rare to get so much for your money these days...this book & playset delivers!I wouldn't recommend for children much younger than 5 as the dolls are paper dolls and therefore will tear if not treated carefully.There is even a large envelope included in the back where the paper dolls can be safely stored after play.

great gift for young dancer
This book was purchased for a raffle basket at a performance of the Nutcracker.My daughter took one look at it and wanted one.She loves the pop up staging.A great book to bring to school for indoor recess. ... Read more

Product Description
Instructive techniques for practicing ballet away from class are presented in this compilation of three previously published volumes. Elementary barre exercises, basic arm movements and positions of the body, and elevation and connecting steps are detailed with illustrations and helpful pointers that complement the guidance of a ballet instructor. Correct ballet terms are defined and listed in French with phonetic pronunciations. Parents, teachers, and students of ballet will find expert advice in this classic of ballet instruction. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Wonderful book
This book was highly recommended by my daughter's dance teacher (whose own daughter is a professional ballet dancer).There are numerous photos and drawings which teach not only what is correct, but also shows what not to do.It only shows things that are appropriate for young dancers with growing bones and ligaments."Steps in Ballet" is great for those of us with no ballet training, so that we know if our daughters are being taught properly and what is age appropriate.I would recommend it for anyone whose child is interested in dancing. ... Read more

Product Description
Tucker loves ballet-even though some people don't understand his passion for dancing. Taunted by the boys on the football field, tortured by dorky twin sisters, and teased by his Uncle Frank, Tucker doesn't know how to help people see how ballet makes him feel . . . until one day, when an unexpected invitation to join the football game comes, and Tucker Dohr gets the chance to prove just what ballet dancing can do!
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Customer Reviews (8)

Sweet, simple story...
This is a sweet, simple story about Tucker and his need to dance. My son, too, is the only boy in his dance class and I thought it would be the perfect way to show how books can mirror your own experiences. My son likes the book well enough but I find some of the language doesn't flow very well in the beginning. Overall, I'd recommend this book for any child's library.

Charming
This is a delightful book, with great illustrations and a great lesson. The main character is completely endearing. And the story of his courage to be different and do what he is passionate about is very well told. Girls, boys, and adults will love this book--especially those who are fond of ballet.

Dance to Your Own Beat
From the moment he wakes up in the morning until the moment he goes to sleep at night, Tucker is in constant motion. His boundless energy and upbeat personality make him bounce down the stairs, twirl around his parents, and weave between his younger sisters. His natural affinity for dancing leads him to ballet class. He absolutely loves dancing and enjoys his class. He doesn't care that he's the only boy enrolled in the course - until his male classmates find out and make fun of him for it. His uncle isn't too keen on it either. Happily, Tucker follows his heart (or, rather, his feet!) During a football game, his speed and agility impress his peers, and the teasing diminishes.

Gruska's text is simple and easy to follow, and the colorful illustrations by Amy Wummer suit the story. Even the endpapers are pretty! (I really love argyle.) The book includes a glossary of ballet terms to further educate hopeful dancers. This story will encourage readers of all ages to keep dancing to the beat of his or her own drummer.

Courage Under Fire
The Only Boy in Ballet Class is a perfectly charming book, wonderfully illustrated by a prolific artist, but it's also an important story for young children about coming to terms with your true self and expressing the passions you really feel, even if others don't quite get it. It's a story about commitment, about perseverance, and about unanticipated rewards.

Tucker Dohr loves to dance, and not just any kind of dancing, but the difficult discipline of the Ballet. Being the only boy in a ballet class is very hard, but Tucker needs to dance, even though many of the kids in his neighborhood mock his participation in a "girly" activity. And if that weren't bad enough, Tucker has an uncle, equally rigid and unsupportive, who constantly carps at his dancing and urges him to take up more stereotypical activities for boys. But Tucker looks forward to his ballet classes, and doesn't give up.

He has heart, in a heartless world, or perhaps just a world burdened by the many broken-hearted people who've let their own dreams fade away, and then settled for someone else's dream, someone else's life.

Tucker is very lucky as well; his Uncle has no real say in his life, other than as a wet blanket and kibbitzer from the sidelines. Tucker's parents support him, and allow Tucker to be himself, to find his own way, and to dream his own dreams.

The illustrations beautifully extend the text of the book and make it more compelling, allowing us to see Tucker's sense of joy and fulfillment in dance, both in private moments and during public performance.

This book will be attractive to any child interested in the Ballet, and even includes a little glossary of dance terms which describes the various movements Tucker excels at. But it will also be attractive to any children who find themselves inhabiting the unknown territories at the boundaries of life, whether that be the difficult negotiation of gender roles and behavior, as in this book, or those who are fascinated with unpopular subjects -- like lepidoptery, or Etruscan pottery -- because Tucker does just fine. His passion turns out to be valuable in fields outside the dance studio, and he still loves to dance.

A Passionate Book About a Passionate Boy
The Only Boy in Ballet Class is a passionate, entertaining, funny, and poignant look at a boy's struggle to be his most authentic self.I read this with my daughter and it moved her, literally, to dance around the living room.She had me demonstrating the various balllet moves from the glossary in the back.Then, in mid pirouette declared her intentions to become a ballet dancer, just like Tucker Dohr. No doubt this book inspired her to move.But I appreciated it most for the valuable message it imparts to its readers, of celebrating the uniqueness in all of us.Because, after all,that is what makes us each special. ... Read more

Product Description
This title takes young readers into the world of ballet shoes, tutus and ballet barres. It aims to teach budding ballerinas everything they need to know, from how to tie their ballet shoes, to performing the perfect plie. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Informative at a little girl's level!
We just got this book for our 4 year old daughter who is reading well.She LOVES it!She is able to learn a lot from the high-quality photographs and the detailed explanations.Yay for DK!

Good book
I purchased this for an additional book for my just 7 year old granddaughter.This book complements my other purchase, but would be good by itself too.

Beautiful Ballet Book
I bought this book for my six-year-old daughter after checking it out at the library.The information is good for a young beginning ballerina and the photography is beautiful.I know she will enjoy this for years to come!

Excellent Book
This book is excellent for young ballerinas or even older ballerinas. The photos are nice and clear. I like the way it explains about the girl and what she does and class, what to wear, etc.

Perfect for little Ballerinas!
Well this is a beautiful book, with beautiful photographs, that teach and explain in detail the basics of ballet. My dauther is 4 years old and she's in love with the book, because it helps her practice what she's learning at her Ballet School!Little girls can relate to everything inthe book, it explains why they have to wear the leotards and ballet sleepers, and why they have to be neatly presented for every class.it also teaches about being persistant and that practice makes perfect!So I'm very happy, because my ballerina is improving in class thanks to this book that allows her to practice at home with a well illustrated and explained story. ... Read more

Product Description
Clearly worded, abundantly illustrated little guide defines basic ballet-related terms: arabesque, battement, pas de chat, relevé, sissonne, many others. Pronunciation guide included. Excellent primer.
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Customer Reviews (5)

..."And we'll go dancing!"
This book is a wonderfully written study in the terminolgy of ballet.the illustrations are so helpful, and the information so thoughtfully written.I have purchased many copies for all the little girls in my life, to share and spark interest in ballet.This book was written by someone who loved and appreciated this beautiful art form.

I recomend this book to all of my students!
I am a ballet/ dance teacher. I want to tell you that I highly recomend this book to you and to all of my ballet students. The price is right, and it teaches the basics well! Kim L.

The ABC's of Ballet
While a good book for little ballerinas, i wish that there were a few other basic terms in the book that were not in there for some reason.It also tended to show alot of the steps while "en pointe" & not on "flats." I feel that this will just make the young ones keep going up on their toes & can possibly hurt themselves.Most girls go en pointe between 10-13 yrs of age. This book was meant for beginners, not ones that have been in classes for years.I still find that it does give basic info, which is extremely helpful for the children & their parents.

Good Dance Companion
This was a helpful little book with definitions for ballet steps and terms that is useful when it slips out of your mind in dance class! Also, it has pictures that show you positions of arms, feet, and other poses etc. This would be great for any beginner to ballet, for the basic terms are listed and explained well.

ABC of Ballet
This is a good book for the young dancers and readers.It provides good illustrations that make it easy to visualize and understand the art of ballet.It adds to a childs ballet experience and gives them fun ways oflearning and remembering all the different aspects and positions. ... Read more

Product Description
The dancer and choreographer Jean-George Noverre's Letters on Dancing and Ballets were first published in Stuttgart in 1760 and set forth his ideas for the reform of ballet, ideas which were considered revolutionary in their day and indeed anticipated changes to be carried out more than a century later by Laban, Fokine and Jooss. At a time when court ballet had degenerated into a meaningless succession of conventional dances, Noverre advocated a unity of design and a logical progression from introduction to climax in which the whole was not sacrificed to the part and anything unnecessary to the theme was eliminated. Movement was to be defined by the tone and time of the music and choreographers were advised to avoid overcomplicated steps and turn to nature for natural means of expression which could be understood by all. He advocated also the reform of costume and lived to see masks, full-bottomed wigs and cumbersome dresses abandoned in favour of attire better suited to the roles portrayed.Noverre's Letters can be said without exaggeration to be one of the most important dance books ever published and through its influence Noverre can be seen as the grandfather of ballet as we know it. The present translation was made by the great dance historian Cyril W. Beaumont and first published by him in book form in 1930. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Art of Dance
This book is quite simply one of the best books ever written about dance.In spite of the fact that it was written almost 250 years ago, Noverre's thoughts about dance have great relevance today.His book offers an approach to dance that transcends ballet because it suggests that dancers should educate themselves in all the arts and in nature.It encourages dancers to study painting, poetry, music and anatomy.He presents a well developed argument against dance simply as a display of technical skill.Noverre believed that dance should touch people's souls. ... Read more

Product Description
Strawberry Shortcake and her friends are taking a ballet lesson. Lemon Meringue gets upset because she’s not as good at leaping as her friends. Strawberry helps Lemon realize that everyone has their own strengths and all that really matters is that you try your berry best! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An excellent gift for a 5 year old
My grandaughter, who turned five on the birthday when I gave her this, really enjoys the book.She likes Strawberry Shortcake and is a budding ballerina! ... Read more

Product Description
Angelina Ballerina is the winner of two tickets to a ballet—who will shechoose to take with her? The answer can be found in the six envelopesinside this book! Readers can pull out letters, invitations, tickets to theperformance, and a special keepsake poster as they follow along withthe story. Featuring a padded cover with eye-catching foil details, thischarming book will make an excellent gift for any Angelina fan. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Love this book!
My daughter loves this book, my niece had it & it was one of her favorites too.If you are thinking about it, just get it, you'll love it!

Great book for any little girl!!!!
We bought this for our 4 year old daughter for her birthday after having checked it out over and over again at the library for months.My daughter asks for it every night and each night waits for it like it's the first time.She loves the idea of everyone getting mail and "who could it be from?" or "I wonder what it says" as she pulls the item out of the envelope.We've purchased other books of this style that include letters, etc. and even a ballet slipper charm at the end..... the story just isn't as good as the Angelina Invitation to the Ballet book.We love this book!!!

A forever favorite
A relative bought this book for my daughter several years ago and it's still her favorite book. The books features page sized envelopes filled with tickets, posters and letters which makes the book interactive. She enjoys pulling the items out of the pockets and reading them.

The only problem is that after years of reading and reaching in the pockets I've had to mend the envelopes and pages with tape. Other than that, I would strongly recommend buying this book for the favorite girl in your life.

A cute and well-thought out book
This book is really cute because of the pull out invitations and letters.My daughters (3 and 5) love to reach into the large envelopes (built into the story) and pull out each item. As the reader of the story, I personally enjoyed how each pull out letter or card was designed - the format of the invitation, the font used, the spelling, etc.The author and illustrator put a lot of thought into each item.For example, the letter from Sammy to William 'looks' like Sammy wrote it.It was very cute.My girls enjoy it at this age because they love Angelina - and when they learn to read themselves I think they'll enjoy it all over again.

letters in this book are enchanting!
My 5 year old adores this book for the "mail" included.The letters and invitations and all that you can pull out and read keep her absolutely fixated! She has other books with pockets and "pull out stuff", but she likes this one best because it's an Angelina book. ... Read more

Product Description
Angelina Ballerina is the winner of two tickets to a ballet—who will shechoose to take with her? The answer can be found in the six envelopesinside this book! Readers can pull out letters, invitations, tickets to theperformance, and a special keepsake poster as they follow along withthe story. Featuring a padded cover with eye-catching foil details, thischarming book will make an excellent gift for any Angelina fan. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Love this book!
My daughter loves this book, my niece had it & it was one of her favorites too.If you are thinking about it, just get it, you'll love it!

Great book for any little girl!!!!
We bought this for our 4 year old daughter for her birthday after having checked it out over and over again at the library for months.My daughter asks for it every night and each night waits for it like it's the first time.She loves the idea of everyone getting mail and "who could it be from?" or "I wonder what it says" as she pulls the item out of the envelope.We've purchased other books of this style that include letters, etc. and even a ballet slipper charm at the end..... the story just isn't as good as the Angelina Invitation to the Ballet book.We love this book!!!

A forever favorite
A relative bought this book for my daughter several years ago and it's still her favorite book. The books features page sized envelopes filled with tickets, posters and letters which makes the book interactive. She enjoys pulling the items out of the pockets and reading them.

The only problem is that after years of reading and reaching in the pockets I've had to mend the envelopes and pages with tape. Other than that, I would strongly recommend buying this book for the favorite girl in your life.

A cute and well-thought out book
This book is really cute because of the pull out invitations and letters.My daughters (3 and 5) love to reach into the large envelopes (built into the story) and pull out each item. As the reader of the story, I personally enjoyed how each pull out letter or card was designed - the format of the invitation, the font used, the spelling, etc.The author and illustrator put a lot of thought into each item.For example, the letter from Sammy to William 'looks' like Sammy wrote it.It was very cute.My girls enjoy it at this age because they love Angelina - and when they learn to read themselves I think they'll enjoy it all over again.

letters in this book are enchanting!
My 5 year old adores this book for the "mail" included.The letters and invitations and all that you can pull out and read keep her absolutely fixated! She has other books with pockets and "pull out stuff", but she likes this one best because it's an Angelina book. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (3)

Ballet's Magic Kingdom
I had read the NY Times Book Review of this book and purchased it.It arrived in a timely manner, in excellent condition. It provides a unique perspective on a very significant period in ballet history.

Ballet's Magic Kingdom
Excellent read.

Good details and overall professionalism.

Tocuh of Art in the composition.

A Gift
I purchased this book as a gift for my daughter and son-in-law who were ballet dancers in an earlier time.Now they are interested in other forms of dance.I thought that it would be a good reminder of days gone by and they seemed delighted with the gift. ... Read more

Product Description

Time for ballet class! The bunnies brush their ears, wash their whiskers, and put on their special dance clothes. They warm up, practice their positions, exercise at the barre, hop, skip, wiggle, and dance! Children will enjoy reading this unique and rabbity look at a day in the dance studio, portrayed in adorable acrylic-paint illustrations.
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Customer Reviews (1)

A fun survey young ballet dancers will find appealing and educational.
Joan Elizabeth Goodman's BALLET BUNNIES tells of bunnies who put on dance clothes and go off to a dance studio to dance. Basic ballet positions ala bunny style are covered in a fun survey young ballet dancers will find appealing and educational. ... Read more

Product Description
Ellie can’t believe it! She and her ballet friends are going to be Year 8students! They’ll have new uniforms, new classes, and a new dorm!There will be a whole new crop of Year 7 dancers, and Ellie will be aguide to one of them. What will school life be like without Sophie?What performances will Ellie be auditioning for, and what new challengeswill she have to face? She can’t wait to find out! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

UR RIGHT BALLET FRIENDS IS WAY COOLER!!!!
I read the other review and checked out the new BALLET FRIENDS BOOKS series on their site balletfriendsbooks.Thanx for the heads up!! It's SO COOL!!! I spent all night checking out all the cool stuff, reading about the books, and groovin to the free tunes.The site's really pretty too!! It's all Hello Kitty and butterflies.Anyway i don't care for Royal Ballet books at all.I got one for Christmas and was very disappointed. It was like preachy and stuck up and i hated all the issues the author tried to push.It was so annoying.Ballet Friends Books is like the opposite cause it's all about having fun and giving the readers what they want. I can't wait to get my hands on it!!!!!

BALLET FRIENDS IS BETTER!!!
The Royal Ballet books are OK but sorta boring.I do ballet and like to read so I've been looking for books about dance.Today I was really surprised when I found the web site for a new series called Ballet Friends.It looks awsome and really really funny!!They got tons of cool stuff like funny stories and quizes like in J-14.It's also got free music like Justin Timberlake and Gwen Stefani.You gotta check it out.[...]

I'm gonna preorder my copy real soon.I can't wait to read it!!!

A great story about the new girl in school and crushes!
This is the 7th book in The R.B.S. Diaries series. Ellie and her friends are coming back to the school after a break and are going to be Year 8 students. They have to start new classes with new teachers and are looking forward to their new uniforms and a new dorm. The only thing that the girls aren't happy about is that their friend Sophie will not be coming back to the school. Yet, they are surprised to find out that there is a new girl (Molly) that has taken her place. Ellie, always compassionate and helpful, takes Molly under her wing to help her out. All the other girls instantly like Molly, except for Bryony. Ellie doesn't know what Bryony's problem is with Molly, but as always, she is determined to make them friends yet! Meanwhile, Ellie has developed a crush on one the guys! This is yet again a rewarding read. And as I stated in my previous reviews in the series, the only thing that I don't care for in The R.B.S. Diaries are that at times they can sound like a R.B.S. advertisement. ... Read more

Product Description
Veteran dance writer Robert Greskovic's comprehensive handbook on how to watch and appreciate the ballet is now available in this new edition. It includes a complete analysis of sixteen important and popular ballets, from Swan Lake to Twyla Tharp's Push Comes To Shove.As Mikhail Baryshnikov states in the book's foreword: "All the things that ballet fans talk about at intermission, while newcomers stand there wondering what they mean: those things are here...(Robert Greskovic) has been thinking about ballet --- watching it, reading, writing, and talking about it --- day after day for more than thirty years. He knows it through and through. Now he shares his knowledge."Amazon.com Review
Robert Greskovic's enthusiasm for ballet is infectious. Thecombination of ideal bodies moving into wondrous shapes, beautifulmusic, and often fantastic sets and costumes makes it, in his opinion,a near perfect art form. Still, many art lovers who regularly visitmuseums and galleries and think nothing of an evening at the opera ortheater practically panic at the thought of sitting through aballet. Ballet 101 should ease those people's fears. Greskovicstarts off with a lively but solid history of ballet, then covers thetraining of a dancer. These two elements alone offer an excellentfoundation for understanding what's going on on-stage. The book alsoincludes clear information about the logistics of a performance--fromthe conductor's arrival in the orchestra pit to the final curtaincall, no pique, glissade, or arabesque is left unexplained. Aftercovering these basics, Greskovic examines 14 ballets in greatdetail--most are classics like Les Sylphides, but a number ofmodern treasures like Balanchine's Apollo are also covered. Forreaders yearning to take in more dance than their local ballet companyoffers in a season, the book includes an extensive videography as wellas excellent suggestions for further reading. The tone ofBallet 101 is serious without being dry and informative withoutbeing condescending--a great find for anyone anxious to learn moreabout this often under-appreciated art form. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Thoughtless of its Intended Audience
I note that the laudatory blurbs on this atrocious book's jacket are drawn from professional dance critics, who may perhaps be excused for overlooking the fact that this book is putatively pitched toward newcomers to the art of Ballet. They are themselves experts, after all. The author, however, cannot be thus excused; he has produced a rarefied book that will be unreadable to most genuine newcomers, and that is singularly unedifying to this newcomer.

Consider this sentence plucked nearly at random from the beginning of chapter 5: "Charles-Louis Diderlot (1767-1837), half French, half Swedish, studied and worked under a variety of the eighteenth century's ballet innovators, including Noverre, Dauberval, and both Gaëtan and Auguste Vestris." Two questions immediately arise. 1) Are the names Noverre, Dauberval, or Gaëtan and Auguste Vestris supposed to mean anything to a likely reader of a book of this title? 2) Assuming that they do not, what is the reader supposed to learn and retain about the unfamiliar name of Diderlot through its immediate juxtaposition with four additional unfamiliar names?

Huh. I guess a bunch of people who were really famous a few centuries ago worked together ... too bad I can't remember any of their names.

This sentence is highly typical; the entire book is written with this degree of thoughtlessness. The author breathlessly drops names without context or clarification, and technical terms are used throughout without introduction or explanation. Indeed, the book lacks a basic overview of the technical terminology -- something that one might find useful in a book advertising itself as a complete introduction.

The author may be a fine critic (I do not know), but this book warrants a wide berth.

For newcomers to ballet!
Noted dance writer and critic Robert Greskovic's handbook is a recommended pick for any who would understand ballet; especially for newcomers to dance. BALLET 101: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO LEARNING AND LOVING THE BALLET isn't just an overview of dance: it's a full history of ballet in general, using specific performances to outline key players, techniques, ballet positions, and notable performances and videos alike. Thirty years of background both as a watcher and behind the scenes lends to a critical yet lively commentary on the art and perceptions of performers and audiences alike.

Informative, but somewhat awkwardly and carelessly written
Reading this book was a good learning experience -- the author, clearly, knows his stuff; at the same time, it's a bit awkward, hard to read (somewhat meandering, artificially florid, disjointed at times, with proofreading snafus -- for example, "graphein" is said to be a German word: obviously a typo made in haste) -- overall, I wish the writing were simpler, more to the point; it'd be great if an editor kneaded it all into a more graceful literary shape.

Recommended though: although the book can be improved, overall it's informative, quite good for a novice.

PS. When reading reviews on this page, please be careful to distinguish between bona-fide reviews by real readers and phony commercial blurbs by publishers' flunkeys who dishonestly use the amazon review capability to post advertizing copy here. A case in point, a review right above, by "D. Donovan, Editor/Sr. Reviewer": visit this person's reviews page and count the number of reviews posted in a single day. For example, on April 26, no less than forty (40!) reviews were added by this "reviewer", and so on, nearly every day, back to the beginning of time. No one can read forty books a day every day, to say nothing of reviewing them afterwards. I've discovered lately that this is a very widespread practice here. Beware! Not every reviewer posting something here is honest.

a little bit flat-footed
This book is proof that a good editor can make all the difference.This might have been a great guide, but unfortunately its editor let it wander off in the wrong direction.

There's no question that Robert Greskovic knows what he's talking about.He is a talented writer with charm and all manner of neat little anecdotes.But the problem with this book is how he spends his time.

The book is 600 pages long, but regrettably half of it is composed of cheesy "let-me-walk-you-through-it-and-tell-you-what-you're-seeing" descriptions of twelve famous ballets available for home viewing on videotape.Some 300 pages of that stuff.

The remaining 300 pages, though, are very interesting.In fact, in reading that first half of the book, you will get a very good idea of the history of ballet, and the names of its major shapers, stars, and proponents.Also, the glossary at the end of the book is both clear and generous.

All in all, this book doesn't really come through on its promise.It's sort of an encyclopedia article on the history of ballet worldwide glued onto "Leonard Maltin Goes to the Ballet."And the whole notion of teaching readers how to go to the ballet and appreciate it sort of gets left in the wings.

Truly informative and beneficial reading for anyone.
The book includes information from the very beginning of dance through many great ballets and into the present. There is an excellent videography at the end of the book as well as a glossary with all of the ballet terms. ... Read more

Product Description
Eight celebrated dancers—Marie Taglioni, Carlotta Grisi, Fanny Elssler, Fanny Cerrito, Lucile Grahn, Lola Montez, Jules Joseph Perrot and Augusta Maywood—from an era known for innovations in dance movement and costume. Dancers depicted as beautifully costumed paper dolls, each with three additional costumes from their most famous roles. Includes introduction to the Romantic ballet and its stars, brief biographies of the dancers, and captions.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Lovely
This is one of Tom Tierney's prettiest and most feminine books.The plates are worthy of being framed, and I'm sure that most aspiring ballet dancers would love to have them on the wall in their rooms.
Until I bought this book, I'd only heard of Lola Montez, but more for her exploits than her dancing.Reading the notes accompanying the dolls was a fascinating introduction to the ballet world of the nineteenth century.

19th Century Ballet Made Easy
I can't imagine a more painless way of learning about 19th century ballet than Tom Tierney's Ballet Stars of the Romantic Era. True to history, the four ballerinas have the matching costumes they wore for their famous Pas de Quatre -- when all four shared a single stage. Careful details includeMarie Taglioni's trademark pearl necklace: she thought her neck was toolong, and always wore a pearl choker to disguise it. The four ballerinasshare a partner, dancer/choreographer Jules Perrot, so there are five dollsin all. My dancer daughter has had these paper dolls for years, and stilltreasures them. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A Magical and Captivating Experience for People of All Ages
I first read this book in Junior High School and recently checked out a copy for a young cousin of mine who has studied ballet. As an artist, I was able to share my memories of having recreated the scene from "Giselle" featured on the back cover for a class project. This book, after all, introduced me to that ballet.I could share video taped scenes of "Coppelia" as I showed her the illustrations in the book, and she seemed impressed. I hadn't really paid much attention to either "Petrushka" or theplot of "Swan Lake" until now, but in the nearly 20 years since I first read it, I've been struck by the sadness of those stories, and I've never forgotten how beautiful this book is.

Exquisite book a masterpiece for children and adults both
I first read this book while in grade school and was instantly captivated, and it's had me under its spell ever since.The book contains stories of the great ballet classics--including "Swan Lake,""Giselle" and "The Nutcracker," as well as lesser knownworks like "Petrushka"--and accompanies them with a wealth of themost beautiful illustrations (by Maraja) I have ever seen.The writing isinteresting to audiences of any age, and the illustrations are enchanting. This is probably my most treasured book.I recently purchased a copy formy nieces, because as much as I love them, they're not touching mine. ... Read more

Product Description
This oversized, deluxe volume celebrating the exquisite spectacle that embodies the excellence of American Ballet Theatre, recognized by Congress as "America’s national ballet company," presents the unfolding beauty, grace, agility, and sheer force of its most recent productions. Distinguished photographer Nancy Ellison depicts such enduring ballet classics as La Bayadère, Othello, The Sleeping Beauty, Manon, Romeo and Juliet, Swan Lake, and Giselle, and captures the virtuosity of such unforgettable dancers as Angel Corella, Nina Ananiashvili, Alessandra Ferri, Julio Bocca, and Ethan Stiefel. ABT’s artistic director, Kevin McKenzie, has written an illuminating essay about this preeminent company. The combination of dynamic bravura dancing in dreamlike settings will be a sheer delight to ballet lovers everywhere. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

great ballet photos!
ABT is my favorite ballet company. This is a gorgeous coffee book. Fabulous pictures. Not as much text if one is looking for more history or to read about the dancers, but an outstanding ballet book to add to my collection.

Perfect for the ballet lover!
This book is 98% large, lush pictures of some of the elaborate ballets that ABT is best known for. These are not 'staged' photos like you see in the ABT calendars (and don't get me wrong, I love those, too) but these are action shots from the ballets themselves.

You get a very close view of the dancers and costumes- you get a great feel for the artistry of the ABT. Yes, it is spendy, but you really get to appreciate these moments that zip past when you are at the theater!

Not American Ballet Theatre-deustream413insea3pc
This book is art "manufacturing." It is not American Ballet Theatre, or as it is also known, ABT. It is "kill manufacturing" vis a vis Berlin science. They are not designses. They are not art plates. Save your money.

in classic style: the splendor of American Ballet Theater
This book was a gift to a budding ballerina.The photographs are beautiful but I did not read the book as I gave it away.

ABT - In Classic Style
Anyone who loves ballet would LOVE this book.Ten of their most popular ballets beautifully photographed with notes and commentary.It was an absolute joy to look through and read.Makes me remember my long-ago days in ballet class. ... Read more

Product Description
Can Nancy follow the trail of this fairy tale?

Nancy and her friends are going to be in a ballet! After months of taking dance classes, Nancy, George, and Bess will perform in a ballet version of Cinderella! The Clue Crew is excited to wear fancy costumes and dance on a real stage! Nancy's friend Andrea is going to play the part of Cinderella. And she'll wear special glass slippers just like in the fairy tale!

But when the glass slippers disappear, Nancy is determined to help. Can the Clue Crew uncover Cinderella's slippers before the clock strikes show time? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Nancy Drew Clue Crew Series
My 8 year old granddaughter enjoys this series very much.She is a hesitant reader who has found some joy in reading this series. She looks forward to our nightly reading from her Nancy Drew books.

Great for Pre-Teen Girls!
My daughter is 9 years old and absolutely loves the Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew books. I started with this one since she takes ballet and I think I will end up buying her the rest of the collection. She really loves these books and gets really into them. Sometimes she will sit and read for a couple of hours because she wants to finish the book and see what happens at the end!!! I highly recommend them!

Wonderful and Gentle chapter books
We have read many of the Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew books, and they are all very kind with a good message. The friends all treat people with respect, and have a discussion if someone doesn't. They use deductive reasoning and problem solving skills to find the answer to the mystery, and my daughters now use logic the same way. I was tired of so many girl books where the girls are so hateful and vain, and these are a refreshing change.
My older friends' kids loves to read them on their own, and we read them to our younger daughters too.

A mystery to keep you on your toes!
Once again, young Nancy Drew fans will follow along with the entire Clue Crew solving a mystery in an intriguing setting, especially fascinating to girls.

There's a Cindarella ballet being staged, complete with glass slippers for Andrea, who has been cast as the lead.

Of course, alls well that ends well -- but not before readers follow every twist and turn to the satisfying conclusion. ... Read more

Product Description
Sylvie and Bonnie are sisters who love to dance, but Sylvie is too young for ballet school. One day, Sylvie follows Bonnie to class and can't help peeping her head in! Miss Trisha sees her. "Can you point your toes?" she asks.

With her sister's encouragement, Sylvie steps into the spotlight and proves herself a dedicated ballerina ready for lessons. Sylvie earns a spot in Miss Amy's ballet class, and Bonnie congratulates her with a present--her own leotard and tights!

Acclaimed author and illustrator Jan Ormerod pairs simple text with charming illustrations for a fun easy-to-read story.

Praise for BALLET SISTERS: THE DUCKLING AND THE SWAN

The sisterly relationship resonates, and Ormerod's distinctive illustrations . . . are as sweet as they can be.

--Booklist

Ormerod's twinkling tale is ideally suited for aspiring prima ballerinas ready to move on to big girl books.

--Kirkus

... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Fall in love with Sylvie at her ducky dance audition to ballet school!
Every Saturday Bonnie went to her ballet class while her sister Sylvie, who looked very sad, waited outside until she was finished.It isn't easy to have to wait outside while someone does something fun, but one day Sylvie decided to peek inside and watch the girls dance.Miss Trisha invited her in to take a look and Sylvie desperately pleaded, "Please, I want to do ballet."A few steps later and a performance of her ducky dance got her an invitation to class!

At Sylvie's Not-Birthday, Bonnie surprised her with "a leotard, pink socks, and ballet slippers."She was all ready for ballet class.Sisters are wonderful to have and now she could now tippy toe, bend her knees and jump with the best of them.

Every little budding ballerina will love this charming book.The simple, quaint illustrations pulled me right into the story.The book I have has been soiled by many small hands taking the same delight in the story as I did.You can just jump, jump, jump into this book and enjoy it as much as the little budding dancers did before me! ... Read more