Ballet spectacular A young ballet lover's guide and an insight into a magical world

The logo of the Royal Ballet on the jacket adds a regal touch to this large, colorful, handsomely produced volume. Combining aspects of a coffee-table book and an introductory handbook, it provides a hodgepodge of basic information about ballet history, famous ballets, life in a major company, and the elements involved in a performance, such as choreography, music, sets, and costumes, while Britain's Royal Ballet Company and School are referenced throughout the book. The double-page spreads are of two types. The first simply features a large, beautifully lit photo from a ballet production, while the second packs in a number of small photos and paragraphs of information, usually with a sidebar on a related topic. The sidebars are sometimes written by the individuals profiled, such as Lauren Cuthbertson's personal account of recovering from injury, featured on the "Dancers' Fitness" spread. The lack of an index will not deter browsers, who are the main audience. Ballet-minded readers will enjoy many of the photos, facts, and first-person narratives here. Copyright 2014 Booklist Reviews.

An introduction to ballet features facts on the dance discipline's history, basic steps, costumes, and famous dancers, and includes details of iconic performances from the Royal Ballet.

An illustrated introduction to ballet combines lavish photographs from The Royal Ballet's collections with fact-filled entries about ballet history, basic steps, costumes, and the careers and iconic performances of famous dancers.

This enchantingly beautiful book is the perfect reference volume for children who love ballet. Featuring stunning full-color photos from The Royal Ballet's own collections and informative, fact-filled entries, it covers all things dance! More than 160 color and black & white images throughout.

This enchantingly beautiful book is the perfect reference volume for children who love ballet. Featuring stunning full-color photos from The Royal Ballet's own collections and informative, fact-filled entries, it covers all things dance! Inside, young readers will be captivated by:A history of ballet through the centuriesAn overview of basic ballet steps, music, and choreographyA look inside The Royal Ballet and The Royal Ballet SchoolDetails about shoes, tutus, accessories, costumes, and moreMost intriguing to passionate young lovers of dance will be the exploration of a day in the life of a professional ballet dancer, images of beloved performers such as Margot Fonteyn, Darcey Bussell, and Carlos Acosta, detailed close-ups of costumes, and photos from iconic performances of The Royal Ballet. More than 160 color and black & white images throughout.