The Ballet Companion: Ballet Companion

At a time when children spend far too much time in front of screens, and not nearly enough time moving and expressing themselves in direct, life-nourishing ways, ballet training is a powerful way to encourage a child to develop strength, discipline, health and aesthetics. The Ballet Companion is a wonderful, practical companion to the ballet journey, wonderful written, organized and photographed as a guide to the technique, traditions and living joys of ballet. A classic, this book is even more precious now in this post-pandemic world, where children have been locked down and remote. Ballet training is a way back and a way forward into a better future for our young people. Ballet is both an athletic and an art form. Empowering for all who practice it, it is especially important in these times of challenge for young people who can learn to face an uncertain future with greater composure, grace of presence and stamina.

I purchased this book as a new dancer, looking to have tips and pointers that many of the students had learned after years of practice and, mainly, just a glossary of the ballet terms and their meaning. I ended up purchasing three books, this being the best book by far. This book included much helpful information from a historical perspective, quick tips, and further information on ballet whether you are an aspiring dancer or just a viewer. This makes the perfect gift for the young and old girl/boy who is interested in the dance world. For reference: It is about 8 by 9.5 inches, very beautiful thick silk pages, has a ballet pink ribbon for a bookmark. Perfect gift that could pass off as collector's edition.

This is an excellent resource. I read many reviews of many dance books before settling on this one, and The Ballet Companion truly lives up to all the positive feedback that I saw! My daughter is 15 and has danced for 8 years. Ballet is something she truly loves, and something that I believe she will continue to study. The book offers both practical and inspirational text, photos and history, health and anatomy - truly all the information a dance student could ever want. I would also add that my daughter is not a reader, but she was nose-down in this book for an entire car trip after she got it and continues to look at it each night before bed!

Very thorough, but easy to read as well. Wonderful index! Lot of interesting facts and information scattered throughout. I can't think of anything they missed! The models are adults, so would be great for adult beginners as well. Very glad to have this to help reference, spark interest, and inform.

Comprehensive guide to the art and teaching of ballet. Valuable advice on teaching methodoligy and the practice of Classical Ballet technique but slightly subjective at times. Overall a excellent support for teachers and students alike.

Our ballet student has read and re-read this book many times. Not only are you going to get the nuts and bolts of ballet, but it also celebrates the artistry. There are topics like preventing injury, eating right, names of positions with illustrations, history, famous dancers, synopsis of some ballet stories and wonderful illustrations. This is a large reference book that your serious ballet student will turn to again and again.

I am very impressed with the content and quality of this book. Eliza Gaynor Minden does a fantastic job of outlining the art of ballet from its history to basic steps to classroom etiquette. She writes in a way that makes this book accessible and useful for any dancer from tween to adult. The photographs are beautiful and the ribbon bookmark is a nice touch. This is a book that I know I'm going to keep in my personal library and refer to again and again.

I bought this book for my 10 year old granddaughter, who started dancing at age 3, but only recently began taking classes at a more serious ballet school. She just took her first RAD test (Royal Academy of Dance), and was beyond thrilled to see the RAD included in this book. I think it made her feel like a part of the larger dance community. Having just glanced at this book myself (I basically bought it based on recommendations), it seems to be very comprehensive, but also interesting, vs what it could be- technical, dull and a real turn-off for younger readers.

I bought it second hand from Bazaar Global. I can hardly believe it’s not brand new. The barely noticeable details on the jacket is the only proof I got that the book had a previous owner, otherwise it’s perfect! As an adult beginner I’m finding the contents fascinating. Highly recommended! 🩰🦢🩷

この本は、洋書ですが、身体に関する専門用語を除き、平易な英語で書かれていますので、ページ数の割には、サクサク読めます。でも、書いてある内容は、大人のの初心者にとってわかりづらい、初めての教室でのバーレッスンのときにどのあたりのバーに立ったらよいかや、やや難しいアンシェヌマンの覚え方なども著者によるコツが書いてあり、とても、親切な本だと思います。また、ところどころ、著者のバレエに対する愛情が伝わっくるような親しみすら感じられる本です。その外には、バレエの歴史について、ルイ１４世の時代から、説明がありますので、とても、勉強にになります。その意味で趣味でバレエをする方のみならず、鑑賞するのが好きな方にお勧めできます。もし、興味がおありでしたら、是非お読みください。

Beautiful book. Very informative.

Wonderful book on ballet, I love it.

Excellent ouvrage tres complet, il aborde de nombreux aspects de la danse classique (histoire, technique, gestion des blessures, repertoire..). Dommage que les pas de liaison ne soient pas plus détaillés et l'histoire de la danse un peu trop centrée sur les Etats Unis. Néanmoins je recommande ce livre à tout passionné de danse. Il n'existe pas de livre équivalent en français.