Ballet Book Recommendations
Good Overall Reading
Gail Grant's Technical Manual and Dictionary of Classical Ballet
Understanding the names of ballet steps is often a huge benefit to understanding the intention behind the movement (or lack of movement). Simple definitions that most ages will appreciate.
George Balanchine's 101 Stories of the Great Ballets
Written by the creator of The New York City Ballet himself, Balanchine has expertly narrated the plots of Ballet's past and present. A great companion to use in choosing a ballet to go see, or to use in preparation to see a classical story ballet.
For Kids (Young and Old)
Violette Verdy's Of Swans, Sugarplums and Satin Slippers
Written by Balanchine Ballerina Violette Verdy, this book very nicely tells the stories of some of the major ballets; Swan Lake, Giselle, The Firebird, Coppelia, The Sleeping Beauty, and The Nutcracker. The storybook format is perfect for young dancers.
Darcey Bussell's The Ballet Book
I loved this book as a young dancer, and still think it is a great overall tool for dancers (and families of dancers) to get an inside look on the world of ballet. Written by former Royal Ballet Principal Ballerina, Darcey Bussell, this book has rich pictures and thoughtful explanations as well as a glossary of terms.
For Historians
Jennifer Homan's Apollo's Angels: A History of Ballet
I was hungry for an in-depth historical book on ballet--specifically one that covered it's birth in the French Court and it's adoption by Imperial Russia. Ms. Homan has done an excellent job of tracing Ballet's journey while weaving in the little facts that make historical research fun.
Christina Ezrahi's Swans of the Kremlin: Ballet and Power in Soviet Russia
Today, art lovers argue over whether ballet is too dated, irrelevant, and which is more authentic: dance which tells a story, or dance which creates beautiful shapes. Ms. Ezrahi's detailed work proves that ballet's place in culture has gracefully (and precariously) rested in this tough spot since the fall of Imperial Russia. Swans of the Kremlin takes a fascinating look at how one of our most beloved art forms unknowingly became a pawn in the political arena and lived to tell the tale.
Gail Grant's Technical Manual and Dictionary of Classical BalletUnderstanding the names of ballet steps is often a huge benefit to understanding the intention behind the movement (or lack of movement). Simple definitions that most ages will appreciate.
George Balanchine's 101 Stories of the Great BalletsWritten by the creator of The New York City Ballet himself, Balanchine has expertly narrated the plots of Ballet's past and present. A great companion to use in choosing a ballet to go see, or to use in preparation to see a classical story ballet.
For Kids (Young and Old)
Written by Balanchine Ballerina Violette Verdy, this book very nicely tells the stories of some of the major ballets; Swan Lake, Giselle, The Firebird, Coppelia, The Sleeping Beauty, and The Nutcracker. The storybook format is perfect for young dancers.
I loved this book as a young dancer, and still think it is a great overall tool for dancers (and families of dancers) to get an inside look on the world of ballet. Written by former Royal Ballet Principal Ballerina, Darcey Bussell, this book has rich pictures and thoughtful explanations as well as a glossary of terms.
For Historians
I was hungry for an in-depth historical book on ballet--specifically one that covered it's birth in the French Court and it's adoption by Imperial Russia. Ms. Homan has done an excellent job of tracing Ballet's journey while weaving in the little facts that make historical research fun.
Today, art lovers argue over whether ballet is too dated, irrelevant, and which is more authentic: dance which tells a story, or dance which creates beautiful shapes. Ms. Ezrahi's detailed work proves that ballet's place in culture has gracefully (and precariously) rested in this tough spot since the fall of Imperial Russia. Swans of the Kremlin takes a fascinating look at how one of our most beloved art forms unknowingly became a pawn in the political arena and lived to tell the tale.
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