From School Library Journal
Grade 4-6-Featuring colorful, accurate, and sometimes very detailed illustrations, this introduction to the world of ballet provides a wealth of information. Succinct chapters cover ballet's history and technique; the roles of the composer, choreographer, and designer; the actual performance; and even a glimpse into the diaries of a professional dancer and an 11-year-old student. Biographical sketches of some of the foremost choreographers and dancers of the 20th century, as well as synopses of some of the great ballet stories and companies, are included. There are even tips on ways to enjoy ballet. This oversized volume would make a fine companion to Darcy Bussell and Patricia Linton's The Young Dancer (DK, 1994). Both are excellent sources for accurate insights and details, with Bussell and Linton spending more time on technique and Castle adding more details about all of the components that create this special world.Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MACopyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Book Description
Young players will refer to these instructive "how-to" guides again and again. Superguides are incisive "how-to" books that answer every question a young sports enthusiast might have! These comprehensive guides in vibrant new jackets and under the new Superguides series title are perfect for young athletes. Young Enthusiasts, the original best-selling series, sold over 3 million copies worldwide. Superguides give valuable advice on everything from suitable clothing to strategy development. Each book includes detailed information on rules, objectives, scoring, and much more.


Card catalog description
An introduction to ballet, discussing its history, costumes, steps, performances, and other aspects.

ANNOTATION

The author, a professional ballerina, introduces the art of ballet, from the basic positions, poses, jumps, and exercises to folk and character dancing, makeup, choreography, and perfoming on stage.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Young players will refer to these instructive "how-to" guides again and again.Superguides are incisive "how-to" books that answer every question a young sports enthusiast might have! These comprehensive guides in vibrant new jackets and under the new Superguides series title are perfect for young athletes. Young Enthusiasts, the original bestselling series, sold over 3 million copies worldwide. Superguides give valuable advice on everything from suitable clothing to strategy development. Each book includes detailed information on rules, objectives, scoring, and much more.

DK seems to rule the roost in children's instructional sports guides...with clean, bright photographs of children and pros, DK's Superguides should give any young athelete a push start on the road to victory. (Copley News Service)

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Marya Jansen-Gruber

"Sensitivity to different forms of beauty, including that of nature, can only make you more sensitive to beauty in ballet." Such pieces of advice fill this wonderful book. For the newcomer to ballet, the book offers instruction and necessary advice. To the general lover of the art form, there are all sorts of interesting facts, wonderful photographs and insights into the world of ballet. Each colorful, double-spread covers a new topic, from "Getting ready for class" at the beginning of the book to "Going to the ballet" at the end. The author has also included a fascinating section about her own life as a dancer. This book gives one a very personal look into what a dancer has to do in her daily routine of practice and performing. Great attention has been given to some of the smaller details in the lives of ballet dancers, for example, how ballet shoes should be tied and cared for. Clearly, attention to detail is important in this demanding art form; hands have to be held at just the right height and feet need to be in just the right position. At the same time the author never lets us forget that the purpose of ballet is to create something beautiful. The book was written in association with the Royal Ballet School. This book would make a wonderful gift to a budding dancer. 2000, Dorling Kindersley,

Children's Literature - Beverly Kobrin

The photographs in this book will bring perusers of all ages pleasure, but their words will be of particular value to students who have had considerable dance work-specifically her detailed references to the executions of steps, body positioning and arm and head work. The dance teacher who vetted the books in this section noted that this one will help students understand the importance of good, slow technique, and that anyone aspiring to perform should heed Ms. Bussell's comments on the work required throughout her life as a professional dancer.

School Library Journal

Gr 4-7-An accurately detailed, beautifully photographed guide to the fascinating world of ballet. With great care and knowledge, Bussell describes the development of young dancers. Students from the Royal Ballet School in London demonstrate the many stages involved, from the basic positions to an actual performance. Along with the clear, technically accurate photos and explanations, there are exciting pictures of renowned artists performing classical and contemporary ballets, accompanied by succinct commentaries. The author provides a brief, yet perceptive sketch of her own life as a professional ballerina, personalizing this glimpse into the world of ballet. Would-be dancers as well as those who prefer to watch rather than participate will be kept ``on their toes'' with this book, and should find in it both inspiration and useful information, including the addresses of some famous schools and companies and a listing of 26 ballets, with brief plot summaries.-Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MA

BookList - Carolyn Phelan