The Ballet Companion: A Dancer’s Guide to the Technique, Traditions, and Joys of Ballet
by Eliza Gaynor Minden
A New Classic for Today’s Dancer
The Ballet Companion is a fresh, comprehensive, and thoroughly up-to-date reference book for the dancer. With 150 stunning photographs of ballet stars Maria Riccetto and Benjamin Millepied demonstrating perfect execution of positions and steps, this elegant volume brims with everything today’s dance student needs, including:
Practical advice for getting started, such as selecting a school, making the most of class, and studio etiquette
Explanations of ballet fundamentals and major training systems
An illustrated guide through ballet class — warm-up, barre, and center floor
Guidelines for safe, healthy dancing through a sensible diet, injury prevention, and cross-training with yoga and Pilates
Descriptions of must-see ballets and glossaries of dance, music, and theater terms
Along the way you’ll find technique secrets from stars of American Ballet Theatre, lavishly illustrated sidebars on ballet history, and tips on everything from styling a ballet bun to stage makeup to performing the perfect pirouette.
Whether a budding ballerina, serious student, or adult returning to ballet, dancers will find a lively mix of ballet’s time-honored traditions and essential new information.
