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Like many of the reviews on this page, I have to agree that this is quite literally THE BEST reference book you will ever find relating to the study of Classical Ballet. As a teacher, this book has been utterly priceless in helping me to expand my understanding of ballet technique, right from the very foundations to the most intricate of enchainements.
There is something to be learnt by all in here, even if you are the most technically minded ballet student, teacher or even professional dancer. The depth of knowledge and detail that is in this book is quite literally astounding, making it an incredible buy for anyone making a serious study in ballet. My only warning would be that this book is not really suitable for a mere enthusiast! (No offence meant, but you will probably get bored by the lack of tutus, pointe shoes and tiaras.)
One major recommendation for this book is for classically trained professional dancers making the transition to teacher (or anyone undertaking teacher training). As many of you will know, even after years of training, your understanding of ballet technique will often still only extend to how it FEELS physically and how it LOOKS in the mirror. This book will really open your eyes to the real detail of technique and help you learn to look at ballet with a teachers eye rather than a professional dancers.
Also, another key point is that for once, there is a book available that gives an unbiased and a fair evaluation of ballet technique. In the UK in particular, we are so restricted by the demands of a syllabus (RAD, ISTD, IDTA), that is utterly refreshing that this books gives an outline of classical ballet that is literally that - PURE BALLET - as danced by the gretest companies around the world, and NOT, in ballet exams.
In summary, I cannot strees enough how valuable this book is for any serious ballet 'freak'. All I can say is that it has been written BY a dancer, FOR dancers and that statement hopefully speaks for it-self. I can only congratulate the writer and photographer for creating such an amazing piece of work. Teachers and students everywhere, your prayers are answered.