First Lessons in Ballet
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Book Overview
Introducing a ballet class in a book. Created by Lise Friedman, a passionate ballerina as a little girl who grew up to dance with the Merce Cunningham Dance Company, and photographed by K.C. Bailey, whose dance photography is part of the Lincoln Center Dance Collection, First Lessons in Ballet is an intimate and innovative approach that takes the reader right into the studio and teaches basic steps and positions. Each spread works as a lesson. On the left, in a full-length, silhouetted photograph with callouts, a young ballerina named Rebecca demonstrates each move. On the right, a group of younger kids who might be the reader's fellow students practice the moves, while brief text, written in the voice of a master teacher, explains exactly what to do. Covered are the five basic positions of ballet, followed by a series of exercises just as they would be performed in class--barre exercises, such as plie and rond de jambe; centerwork exercises, including arabesque and pas de bourree; and such jumps and turns as changement, pique, and emboite. Class finishes with reverence--a formal way dancers thank their teacher--and the book ends with a brief discussion of the next steps in ballet--pointe work and partnering.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0761113525
ISBN13:9780761113522
Release Date:January 1999
Publisher:Workman Publishing
Length:68 Pages
Weight:0.65 lbs.
Dimensions:0.3" x 7.8" x 10.2"
Age Range:9 to 12 years
Grade Range:Grades 4 to 7
Related Subjects
9 - 12 Years Arts, Music & Photography Children's Children's Books Dance Performing ArtsCustomer Reviews
1 rating
little girl in need of guidance
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
I have a little girl,Anna, whom just recently started into her first year of serious ballet instruction. She felt nervous and scared that she would look silly in front of the other girls who have been taking classes since their pre-school years. Anna on the other hand has only been taking them for a year and still has a hard time remembering all the names and termology. I purchased this book about a week after she started instruction and we have enjoyed every moment together. The description of the steps make it very easy for me to relate and tell her how to hold herself proper, and the pictures are a great reference for her when mom is not around. After reading the book Anna has received confidence and poise that I don't think she knew she had in her. Great Book for beginners!
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