The Ballet Companion: Ballet Companion

Very informative advice for a young or tween dancer and parents.

I purchased this book as a new dancer, looking to have tips and pointers that many of the students had learned after years of practice and, mainly, just a glossary of the ballet terms and their meaning. I ended up purchasing three books, this being the best book by far. This book included much helpful information from a historical perspective, quick tips, and further information on ballet whether you are an aspiring dancer or just a viewer. This makes the perfect gift for the young and old girl/boy who is interested in the dance world. For reference: It is about 8 by 9.5 inches, very beautiful thick silk pages, has a ballet pink ribbon for a bookmark. Perfect gift that could pass off as collector's edition.

At a time when children spend far too much time in front of screens, and not nearly enough time moving and expressing themselves in direct, life-nourishing ways, ballet training is a powerful way to encourage a child to develop strength, discipline, health and aesthetics. The Ballet Companion is a wonderful, practical companion to the ballet journey, wonderful written, organized and photographed as a guide to the technique, traditions and living joys of ballet. A classic, this book is even more precious now in this post-pandemic world, where children have been locked down and remote. Ballet training is a way back and a way forward into a better future for our young people. Ballet is both an athletic and an art form. Empowering for all who practice it, it is especially important in these times of challenge for young people who can learn to face an uncertain future with greater composure, grace of presence and stamina.

This is an excellent resource. I read many reviews of many dance books before settling on this one, and The Ballet Companion truly lives up to all the positive feedback that I saw! My daughter is 15 and has danced for 8 years. Ballet is something she truly loves, and something that I believe she will continue to study. The book offers both practical and inspirational text, photos and history, health and anatomy - truly all the information a dance student could ever want. I would also add that my daughter is not a reader, but she was nose-down in this book for an entire car trip after she got it and continues to look at it each night before bed!

It was very interesting to learn a lot of the history of ballet as well as learning different things from the way you should dress for a class, nutrition, how to take care of your body so you don't get injured, a list of ballets and people who are worth looking up for dances and inspiration, to types of stretches or hand and foot positions or various steps.

I bought this book for my 10 year old granddaughter, who started dancing at age 3, but only recently began taking classes at a more serious ballet school. She just took her first RAD test (Royal Academy of Dance), and was beyond thrilled to see the RAD included in this book. I think it made her feel like a part of the larger dance community. Having just glanced at this book myself (I basically bought it based on recommendations), it seems to be very comprehensive, but also interesting, vs what it could be- technical, dull and a real turn-off for younger readers.

Our ballet student has read and re-read this book many times. Not only are you going to get the nuts and bolts of ballet, but it also celebrates the artistry. There are topics like preventing injury, eating right, names of positions with illustrations, history, famous dancers, synopsis of some ballet stories and wonderful illustrations. This is a large reference book that your serious ballet student will turn to again and again.

I bought 2 copies for 2 seven-year olds who are serious about dancing. It is for grown ups and kids alike - any enthusiast can get something out of this beautifully illustrated and edited book. A good guide to French dance terms. A very good value for $20. Hard cover, not junky, very classy. Small enough to carry around too.

There is a reason this book is so highly recommended. It’s so in depth with really clear photos, there is little info that could be needed that isn’t in this book and it’s got a fantastic directory at the back for further reading on specific subjects if u somehow need something more in depth. Unlike other books this book doesn’t just focus on the basics or the positives, it explains about potential injury and how to best avoid and some of the negative mental impacts such as EDs and some general advice on fuelling. Pretty solid for a ballet guide published in 2005. It might not interest all younger ballerinas, depending on their temperament but for older ballerinas and ballet enthusiasts it’s perfect and will stay on my shelf as a fantastic reference book. It’s direct, realistic and really well put together.

I bought it second hand from Bazaar Global. I can hardly believe it’s not brand new. The barely noticeable details on the jacket is the only proof I got that the book had a previous owner, otherwise it’s perfect! As an adult beginner I’m finding the contents fascinating. Highly recommended! 🩰🦢🩷

この本は、洋書ですが、身体に関する専門用語を除き、平易な英語で書かれていますので、ページ数の割には、サクサク読めます。でも、書いてある内容は、大人のの初心者にとってわかりづらい、初めての教室でのバーレッスンのときにどのあたりのバーに立ったらよいかや、やや難しいアンシェヌマンの覚え方なども著者によるコツが書いてあり、とても、親切な本だと思います。また、ところどころ、著者のバレエに対する愛情が伝わっくるような親しみすら感じられる本です。その外には、バレエの歴史について、ルイ１４世の時代から、説明がありますので、とても、勉強にになります。その意味で趣味でバレエをする方のみならず、鑑賞するのが好きな方にお勧めできます。もし、興味がおありでしたら、是非お読みください。

Beautiful book. Very informative.

Excellent ouvrage tres complet, il aborde de nombreux aspects de la danse classique (histoire, technique, gestion des blessures, repertoire..). Dommage que les pas de liaison ne soient pas plus détaillés et l'histoire de la danse un peu trop centrée sur les Etats Unis. Néanmoins je recommande ce livre à tout passionné de danse. Il n'existe pas de livre équivalent en français.