Review by Booklist Review
Gr. 4^-6. Bowes, a teacher at Canada's National Ballet School, offers a detailed, practical guide for serious ballet students. Dancers who want to improve their technique will appreciate the long section that describes and illustrates the movements done in a typical ballet class. Bowes introduces each standard position or exercise, explaining how to do it correctly and making other helpful comments. Other sections discuss matters such as finding a good teacher, keeping a healthy body, and going on pointe. The final chapter, "Performing," introduces 14 ballets performed by the National Ballet of Canada or the National Ballet School. Numerous black-and-white photos illustrate the text. To balance collections heavy on colorful ballet books for browsers with stars in their eyes, here's a guide for ballet students who are ready to get down to work. --Carolyn Phelan
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
Gr 3-8-This comprehensive guide, written by a teacher at Canada's National Ballet School, helps youngsters who love ballet to understand the hard work and commitment involved in classical dance training. Bowes opens with a discussion of the basics: choosing to dance, finding a teacher, evaluating a studio, and offering outfitting and grooming tips. Beginning in chapter two, black-and-white photographs and accompanying text meticulously lead a serious ballet student through every position, step, and pose of classical ballet. The pictures largely focus on one child with older dancers used to show more advanced, age-appropriate techniques. There is also a chapter on general exercises that promote flexibility, strength, and endurance. The author concludes with photos of scenes from several ballets and a glossary. Children who have been to performances and who dream of dancing sugarplums and wearing tutus and tights will be fascinated.-Susan Pine, New York Public Library (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
This guide for students eight years old and up is based on technique used by Canada's National Ballet School. Black-and-white photos with descriptive text demonstrate the steps and exercises that protect young dancers and build their stamina. The emphasis is on the joy of moving to music and the lifetime benefits of studying, whether one becomes a professional or not. Glos., ind. From HORN BOOK Spring 2000, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
