From Library Journal
Kirstein was one of the founders of the School of American Ballet along with George Balanchine. After debuting in 1952, this volume quickly became a standard in the field. The text and roughly 800 illustrations offer a beginner's guide to basic dance movement and terminology. This also contains a preface by Balanchine. Essential for all libraries.Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

With a precision unparalleled in any other book of its kind, The Classic Ballet presents a lucid text, and six hundred drawings describe and illustrate in minute detail the proper body position, balance point, movement, and attitude of each position and step in the basic classical repertory. As George Balanchine wrote in his preface: "There are no shortcuts to great dancing, but what is necessary to remember and unalterable in its instruction may be found in this book ... An admirable source of reference for the highest standard of practice." It is an invaluable tool for the student or teacher of ballet-as well as a must-have treasure for the balletomane.

SYNOPSIS

“For soundness, for clarity, for succinctness, this manual of basic ballet is the best there is anywhere.”
–Edwin Denby, The Nation

With a precision unparalleled in any other book of its kind, The Classic Ballet presents a lucid text, and nearly six hundred drawings describe and illustrate in minute detail the proper body position, balance point, movement, and attitude of each position and step in the basic classical repertory.

As George Balanchine wrote in his preface: “There are no shortcuts to great dancing, but what is necessary to remember and unalterable in its instruction may be found in this book . . . An admirable source of reference for the highest standard of practice.” It is an invaluable tool for the student or teacher of ballet–as well as a must-have treasure for the balletomane.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal