The Ballet Book - 2nd Edition by Deborah Bowes & Karen Kain (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

"This comprehensive guide... helps youngsters who love ballet to understand the hard work and commitment involved in classical dance training."
-- School Library Journal (of the first edition)

"A detailed, practical guide for serious ballet students... To balance collections heavy on colorful ballet books for browsers with stars in their eyes, here's a guide for ballet students who are ready to get down to work."
-- Booklist (of the first edition)

Prepared in conjunction with Canada's National Ballet School, The Ballet Book is the definitive instructional resource for children who are beginning to explore the possibilities and delights of ballet.

The Ballet Book is an inspirational motivator, an exceptional teaching aid, and an ideal companion for students. Now it has all-new photographs in color and a text more suited to contemporary young dancers.

The book illustrates in meticulous detail -- and through more than 100 photographs -- every position, step and pose involved in barre work, pointe work, alignment, classical ballet poses, attitudes, allegros, batteries, pirouettes and arabesques. Age-appropriate and comprehensive, it is a motivational guide, with information on deciding to dance; finding a teacher; musical accompaniment; finding the ideal studio; what to wear and grooming; positions, steps and poses; and exercises and nutrition. Historical highlights and modern opportunities complete this comprehensive book.

The Ballet Book is a strong guide for both boys and girls.

Review Quotes

[Review of previous edition: ] A detailed, practical guide for serious ballet students ... To balance collections heavy on colorful ballet books for browsers with stars in their eyes, here's a guide for ballet students who are ready to get down to work.--Carolyn Phelan "Booklist" (11/15/1999 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] A step-by-step resource for aspiring dancers, it contains more than 100 black-and-white photos of ballet positions and classical poses, most by Lydia Pawelak.-- "Publishers Weekly" (11/29/1999 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] Each chapter is written in easy-to-understand language, defining new terms and ballet expressions. The book covers finding a teacher and musical accompanist, specifications of the studio and what to wear. Terminology and steps to correct arm, feet, and body position are shown through photos. The importance of healthy meals and snacks, the need for exercises to improve posture, alignment, stance, and stamina are included. This book is a pleasure to read because of its smooth, graceful writing, and descriptive explanations.--Susan Shaver "Book Report" (2/1/2000 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] The emphasis is on the joy of moving to music and the lifetime benefits of studying.-- "Horn Book Guide" (7/1/1999 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] This comprehensive guide, written by a teacher at Canada's National Ballet School, helps youngsters who love ballet to understand the hard work and commitment involved in classical dance training.--Susan Pine "School Library Journal" (11/1/1999 12:00:00 AM)

A comprehensive guide for serious young ballet students. Clear photos of graceful dancers demonstrate over 100 positions, steps and poses involved in barre work, including attitudes, allegros, batteries, pirouettes and arabesques... a beautiful and elegant hardcover that is sure to be treasured by any student embarking on their Ballet journey.-- "Toronto, Dance!" (2/11/2019 12:00:00 AM)

A detailed and practical guide illustrated with beautiful photos, it portrays the hard work and commitment needed to train for classical dance... The guide is both entertaining and instructional and would be ideal for ballet students.--Jane Muller "City Parent" (12/21/2018 12:00:00 AM)

For young people interested in ballet or already involved in ballet dancing, the Canadian National Ballet School's second edition on ballet is a must.-- "Tulsa Book Review" (4/1/2019 12:00:00 AM)

The second edition of The Ballet Book: The Young Performer's Guide to Classical Dance from Canada's National Ballet School is both a comprehensive guide and a beautiful resource. This version features colour photographs and updated text and includes depictions of both male and female dancers aged pre-teen to young adult... The author, Deborah Bowes, a knowledgeable ballet teacher and graduate of Canada's National Ballet School, has crafted a beautiful and accessible guide that will speak to today's youth. With over 100 colour photographs, this resource is engaging and inviting in a way that is not always associated with the classical depiction of ballet. The glossary of terms in the back of the book is a valuable inclusion as is the lovely forward by Canadian icon Karen Kain... Highly Recommended.--Cate Carlyle "CM: Canadian Review of Materials" (3/1/2019 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

Canada's National Ballet School is the nation's premier ballet school, combining academic instruction with dance training. Some of the world's best dancers, including Karen Kain, Veronica Tennant and Rex Harrington, attended this prestigious school. Deborah Bowes instructed at the school for 45 years.

Karen Kain was principal dancer for the National Ballet of Canada and is now the company's artistic director.