Ballet: The Definitive Illustrated Story

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Description

Product Description

This DK visual guide to ballet history goes beyond other ballet books, with beautiful photography that captures famous dancers and key stories.

Discover more than 70 of the most famous ballet dances, from The Nutcracker and Swan Lake to The Rite of Spring. Learn the stories behind renowned companies such as The Royal Ballet and the Bolshoi Ballet. Explore the lives and achievements of dancers across the centuries, such as Margot Fonteyn, Carlos Acosta, and Darcey Bussell. Meet composers and choreographers, from Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky to Matthew Bourne.

From its origins at court and the first national ballet companies, to the contemporary scene and extraordinary venues that stage the productions, this book covers an impressive history of ballet and provides an invaluable overview of the subject. Filled with rarely seen photographs covering all the key figures, pieces, and performances, and compelling facts about each dance--the sources they draw from, their production history, and their reception over time-- Ballet: The Definitive Illustrated Story is an essential gift for all ballet enthusiasts.

From School Library Journal

Gr 6 Up-DK presents the story of ballet from its beginnings in 1550 to today. The straightforward text is lengthy but never dense. Though the language is intended for older readers, a wide range of ballet enthusiasts will enjoy poring over full-page illustrations and photographs that are accompanied by concise, informative captions. The well-organized volume moves through ballet chronologically. Each time period is broken down into short segments focusing on famous dancers and choreographers, well-known ballets and choreography, theaters, and styles of dance. VERDICT A solid purchase for most reference collections.-Kat Paiva, Rye Public Library, NHα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

About the Author

Viviana Durante is considered to be one of the greatest, most dramatic ballerinas of her generation. Born in Rome, she became The Royal Ballet's youngest principal dancer at 21 and was also principal ballerina with American Ballet Theatre, Teatro alla Scala, and Japan's K-Ballet. Viviana holds a Diploma of Dance Teaching from The Royal Ballet School and a Diploma in Dance Teaching and Learning from Trinity College, London. She coaches and teaches internationally.