Book Review: The Ballet Companion

Written by Eliza Gaynor Minden, The Ballet Companion is a great reference for any teacher, student or ballet enthusiast.

 

In an easy-to-follow format, it comprises of five sections:

·         to be a dancer,

·         ballet basics,

·         ballet class,

·         the healthy dancer and,

·         ballet literacy.

And with each section broken down from how to choose the right ballet school, what to expect in an audition, pointe work information, eating and exercising right, the major ballet classics, a historical timeline and lastly, ballet terminology, it really covers just about everything!

Explanations of the ballet fundamentals is also included, distinguishing between the major training systems and focus pages of history snippets, and general articles for the curious dancer on topics such as how to do stage make-up and hair.

Positions and steps are illustrated with 150 coloured photographs demonstrating perfect execution and technique.

The text identifies the traditional fundamentals along with new and updated information.

I have had this book for a few years now and find it a great teaching tool for showing students pictorial breakdowns of steps and the positions.

Definitely well recommended, and would make a great gift for someone at any level of the ballet world.

Caitlin