On Technique - by Dean Speer (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Insights from artists at the top of their game

"Here is a book that tells it like it is, a book that everyone can learn from."--Rasta Thomas, director, Bad Boys of Dance

"Right at my fingertips, helpful, firsthand advice from some of the greatest dance teachers in the world. This book is full of essential information for students, teachers, scholars, and directors at every level."--Rick McCullough, Florida State University

"An interesting and unique book that shows both commonalities and divergent opinions that guide all ballet teaching professionals."--John White Jr., author of Advanced Principles in Teaching Classical Ballet

"What a wonderful adventure to open a book and read about so many of the world's finest dance luminaries. Thank you for giving us such a marvelous opportunity to learn about these wonderful dancers and their teaching techniques."--Lauren Jonas, artistic director, Diablo Ballet

On Technique provides a fascinating look into the careers and teaching philosophies of eighteen of the world's most respected ballet masters, principals, and artistic directors. Author Dean Speer sat down with prominent ballet pedagogues and asked each a standard set of questions, including "What do we mean when we say someone has beautiful technique?" and "How did you become a dancer?"

Featuring such artists as Peter Boal (artistic director of the Pacific Northwest Ballet) and Bene Arnold (first ballet mistress of the San Francisco Ballet), this volume offers fascinating insights into the nature of both performance and artistic instruction. Speer's approach reveals sometimes surprising convergences among these world-class talents, despite their varying pedagogical backgrounds and divisions.

Review Quotes

"By allowing contradictions to exist amongst the various viewpoints, Speer lets readers decide which methods work best for their teaching practices."--Dance Teacher


"Provides marvelous insights into the careers and teaching philosophies of 18 respected dance professionals....Essential."--CHOICE

About the Author

Dean Speer is the founding director of the Chehalis (Washington) Ballet Center, former artistic director of the Chattanooga Ballet, and regular contributor to Ballet-Dance Magazine.