Classical Ballet Technique

In more than 2600 photographs, professional dancers (from such companies as the American Ballet Theatre and the Jaffrey Ballet) demonstrate in sequence every movement in the classical repertoire, from the most basic to the most advanced. Each photograph is accompanied by a text that details appropriate teaching techniques and describes the proper execution of each step. Warren combines the best instructional aspects of several international schools, including Soviet, Danish and English. A glossary defines common dance terms, and a pronunciation guide provides phonetic transcriptions of French ballet terms. A chapter specially for teachers delineates a variety of methods classroom-tested by Warren, a teacher-training expert and former professional dancer with extensive credentials.

Classical Ballet Technique is an invaluable guide for students, teachers, and ballet lovers. It not only covers the broad spectrum of ballet vocabulary but also gives sound, practical advice to aspiring dancers. The clarity of the writing, in a field notorious for its opaqueness, is in itself a major achievement.""- Merrill Ashley, Principal Dancer, New York City Ballet;""An excellent, comprehensive guide to ballet pedagogy valuable to teachers and students alike. For many years Gretchen's has been a major voice in the dance community, and this extensive work details the study of classical ballet from her unique and expert point of view. I applaud her, and I heartily recommend Classical Ballet Technique.""- David Howard, International Ballet Master and Master Teacher;""Gretchen Warren has undertaken a monumental task and has completed it with distinction. Obviously a labor of love, this book's attention to detail and the clarity of its text and photos make it a valuable contribution to the lexicon of ballet. I recommend it to every serious student and teacher.""- Thalia Mara, Founding Director, Ballet Repertory Company and National Academy of Ballet; Artistic Director, U.S.A. International Ballet Competition;""Congratulations to Ms. Warren for her authoritative book on classical ballet. Thanks are in order too from the many professional teachers, dancers, and students of the art form who will benefit from this book-an essential addition to any dance lover's library.""- Lawrence Rhodes, Artistic Director, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens;""An important addition to the reference libraries of teachers and students of ballet...for anyone with a serious interest.""- Library Journal;""Simply unequalled, —nothing else is even close.""- balletbooks.com

Gretchen Ward Warren studied at London's Royal Ballet and the National Ballet School of Washington, D.C. She was soloist with the Pennsylvania Ballet for eleven years and ballet mistress of American Ballet Theatre II from 1978 to 1983. She is professor of dance at the University of South Florida and frequently appears as a master teacher on the national and international circuits.Susan Cook has photographed the performing arts for the past fifteen years. Her work has appeared in Time, Newsweek, the New York Times, and many dance books. Her own books of photographs include In a Rehearsal Room and The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.