Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 2/27/2008

Question
Hello

I am training on a teaching course at the moment for ballet. A lot of work
that needs to be done is around breakdown, analysis, teaching points and
learning outcomes of various ballet steps.

Would you happen to know of a good book that covers teaching points and
learning outcomes of ballet steps?

Obviously, when dancing the steps you can think of various teaching points
but it would be nice to know of a book that covers relevant points rather than
myself getting carried away with some that are not necessary.

Any information appreciate.

Thanks

Samantha

P.S I found your article on fouette of adage very helpful.

Answer
Hi Samantha. I cannot think of one with a an entire class analysis at the moment, that is professional level technique. That is one reason why I started writing my own analysis of basic exercises, like you see on http://www.theballetstore.com or http://www.balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com I eventually plan to get through a all the basic movements.

Ballet exercises are very holistic - so every barre exercise has a result in many aspects of advanced classical choreography.

You'll see on The Ballet Store site, 2 books I've reviewed. In the upper left corner, The Perfect Pointe Book, which is a fantastic book about preparing for pointe - and it covers all aspects of accurate technique, anatomy info, pointe shoe info etc. It is written by a dance medicine specialist. The author covers turnout, posture, foot strengthening and stretching - it is a student's dream for understanding technique and getting ahead. I think every student should have one! It focuses on pointe work prepapration, and does not go beyond the basics.

In the right corner, or maybe a little down on the right, is The Ballet Bible. It is not as professionally knowledgable as The Perfect Pointe Book, but covers a whole class, along with some videos. While I wouldn't consider it a training model, it does have some good detail in it.

Both these books are just under $50 US.

Deborah Vogel at thebodyseries.com sells several books and DVDs - all focused on one subject each - but all excellent. She also has a newsletter series Archives you'll see there - a great collection of info regarding anatomical approaches to common ballet problems, or should I say the human body's shortcomings for ballet. When I discovered her Archives I sat and read them all! You can also see weekly newsletters she now puts on a blog.

Honestly, there seem to be many books out now - I've browsed through the selection at The Ballet Store site - most are written by famous dancers (not teachers) and I'm sure some are good, but I haven't had time to read them all!

With the three author sources I've mentioned above, a teacher could have weeks of reading, quite honestly. I think you could get most of the info you're looking for.