6.1.1. Introductory Ballet and Modern Dance Books
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This article is from the Ballet and Modern Dance FAQ, by Tom Parsons twp@panix.com with numerous contributions by others.
6.1.1. Introductory Ballet and Modern Dance Books
Dufort, Anthony. "Ballet Steps: Practice to Performance". Potter, 1990;
ISBN 0-517-57770-4. Describes, with words and excellent drawings, the
essential steps and movements of ballet. Starts with warm-ups, then
barre and center work, partnering, and shows how these moves are
assembled using examples of classical ballets. NOT a textbook for
students; intended for an audience member to help appreciate the
language of ballet. (Summary courtesy of svkeeley@aol.com.)
Early, Barbara. "Finding the Best Dance Instruction: Look before you Leap".
Betterway Books, 1992, ISBN 1-55870-259-8. Finding a dance school for
you or your child. For people who are just starting out.
Elliott, Donald. "Frogs and Ballet". Illustrated by Clinton Arrowood
Gambit, 1979; ISBN 0-87645-119-9. A whimsical book that explains some
of the more common moves, demonstrated in the illustrations by frogs.
Although at first glance it may look like a children's book, the text
is quite wry and sophisticated. (Summary courtesy of svkeeley@aol.com.)
Greskovic, Robert. "Ballet 1.0.1". New York: Hyperion, 1998, ISBN 0-7868-
8155-0. As its name implies, a general introduction. History,
dancers, watching ballet, and a summary of a few representative
ballets. Includes extensive glossary and bibliography.
Jacob, Ellen. "Dancing: the All-in-One Guide for Dancers, Teachers, and
Parents". Revised edition. New York: Variety Arts, 1993, ISBN 0-
937180-10-6. This and Robbins (below) are probably the best
introductory books. Jacobs does not restrict herself to ballet but
describes the dance world generally: what it's like to dance; dance
for amateurs, children, and professionals; what the options are; what
classes are like; what a career may be like.
Kerner, Mary, "Barefoot to Balanchine: How to Watch Dance". Anchor Books,
1990, ISBN: 0-385-26436-4. Contains a brief history of dance, chapters
on choreographers, steps, combinations, training, and how performances
are mounted. (Summary courtesy of svkeeley@aol.com.)
Paskevska, Anna. "Getting Started in Ballet: a Parent's Guide to Dance
Education". New York: Oxford Univ. Press, 1997, ISBN 0-19-511716-6.
An excellent general introduction; a good complement to Barbara Early's
book.
Robbins, Jane. "Classical Dance". New York: Holt, Rinehart, & Winston,
1981, ISBN 0-03-048941-5, probably out of print. The other of the two
good introductory books. This one is more for spectators; Jacobs is
more for aspiring dancers. Strictly ballet; describes some steps in
remarkably great detail for an introductory, non-professional book.
Summarizes some ballets and provides a concise but exceptionally good
history of technique.
Terry, Walter. "Ballet Companion". New York: Dodd, Mead, 1968.
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