Breaking Ballet Resources | Books

Transcription

BalletMet 2015-16 Season
Recommended Reading/Music Resources
Please check these books out at your local library! All of these selections can be found at either
www.amazon.com or www.bn.com.
*BalletMet cannot guarantee the appropriateness of the content of these resources and advises consumers to review
publications prior to purchase and/or use.
*All quoted material is taken from synopses or reviews of the dance/music resources.
Breaking Ballet Resources | Books
George Balanchine, The Ballet Maker
(Adult)
Gottlieb, Robert. Harper Collins. October 26, 2004.
“Written by the gifted author, editor, and dance critic Robert Gottlieb, George
Balanchine describes the life and art of the celebrated, revolutionary ballet
choreographer. Here is a necessary and singular look at the life of one of the
great figures of the 20th Century: the dynamic Balanchine, founder of The New
York City Ballet, collaborator of Stravinsky, and inspiration to countless fans over
the course of his long and storied career. George Balanchine is another engaging
entry in the HarperCollins’ “Eminent Lives” series of biographies by distinguished
authors on canonical figures.”
Balanchine- A Biography
(Adult)
Taper, Bernard. University of California Press; 2nd edition. November 8, 1996.
“Written with wit, insight, and candor, Balanchine is a book that will delight lovers
of biography as well as those with a special interest in dance. For this edition the
author has added a thoughtful yet dramatic account of the working out of
Balanchine's legacy, from the making of his controversial will to the present day.
The author explores the intriguing legal, financial, and institutional subplots that
unfolded after the death of the greatest choreographer of the century, but the
central plot of his epilogue is the aesthetic issue: In the absence of their creator,
can the ballets retain their wondrous vitality? Taper illuminates the fascinating
transmission of Balanchine's masterworks from one generation to another, an unprecedented legacy in
the history of ballet, that most evanescent of the arts.”
© 2015-2016 BalletMet
Permission is granted to reproduce pages for conjunction with education activities by BalletMet
From Petipa to Balanchine: Classical Revival and the
Modernisation of Ballet [Kindle Edition]
(Adult)
Scholl, Tom. Routledge; 1st edition. September 2, 2003.
“Not only is this the first book to present nineteenth- and twentieth-century ballet as a
continuous rather than broken tradition, From Petipa to Balanchine places works such
as Sleeping Beauty, Les Sylphides, Apollo and Jewels in their proper cultural and
artistic context. The only English-language study to be based on the original Russian
soures, this book will be essential reading for all dance scholars. Written in an engaging
and elegant style it will also appeal to anyone interested in the history of ballet generally.”
Breaking Ballet Resources | Music
Tchaikovsky: Piano Concertos Nos. 1, 2 & 3
The Philharmonia (Orchestra), Mikhail Pletnev (Performer)
Composer: Piotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Conductor: Vladimir Fedoseyev
Label: Erato Disques
This compilation includes three of Tchaikovsky’s piano concertos with
orchestral accompaniment. Balanchine’s Allegro Brillante, which will appear in
BalletMet’s Breaking Ballet, is set to Piano Concerto No. 3, the final track of the second disc.
2 Audio CDs, 1998
True Colours: The Best of Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper
Label: 101 Distribution
“Australian two CD set from the Pop diva, celebrating 25 years since she
released her debut solo album…Though her output since the '80s has been
sporadic, she has achieved critical acclaim and adoration from her fans for two
and a half decades. This double disc collection contains all her hits, album
tracks, fan favorites and so much more. Experience Cyndi in all her True
Colours on this, her most comprehensive collection to date!”
2 Audio CDs, 2009
Breaking Ballet Resources | Video
Balanchine
(Not Rated)
Starring: George Balanchine
Studio: Kultur Video
“Through rare archival footage, this program traces Balanchine's life from his youth
at the Maryinsky Theater, to his creation of the New York City Ballet.”
1 DVD Disc, 2004
Dracula Resources | Books
Dracula (Dover Thrift Editions)
(18 and up)
Stoker, Bram. Dover Publications, 2000.
“A dreary castle, blood-thirsty vampires, open graves at midnight, and other gothic
touches fill this chilling tale about a young Englishman's confrontation with the evil
Count Dracula. A horror romance as deathless as any vampire, the blood-curdling
tale still continues to hold readers spellbound a century later.”
Classic Starts: Dracula
(13 and up)
Stoker, Bram. Sterling; Abridged edition, 2007.
“Dracula, that compelling creature of the night, continues his neck-biting ways in a
version of the novel that children will devour. Moving from Transylvania to London,
the timeless vampire serves up thrills and chills as he imprisons and terrorizes the
innocent Jonathan Harker, and then goes after his fiancée, Mina, and her friend
Lucy. From creepy, insect-eating Renfield to Dr. Van Helsing—who valiantly fights
Dracula’s evil—the characters and drama are spellbinding.”
Dracula Resources | Music
Feeney: Dracula
Northern Ballet Theatre Orchestra
Composer: Philip Feeny
Conductor: John Pryce-Jones
Label: Naxos
“I've listened to the Feeney innumerable times (especially effective through
headphones, by the way) and I am consistently impressed by his ingenuity, use of
Hungarian folk rhythms (brilliantly and thrillingly realized in Act 1, Scene 2, "Transylvania," for
example), highly-charged set pieces and a keen sense of dramatic atmosphere (as displayed in Act 2,
"The Winter Garden of the Grand Hotel, Whitby"). And, of course, lest I forget, the overall spine-tingling
moodiness Feeney creates, the eerie dread and downright spookiness, too. But this is no Halloween
toss off; this is music of depth and substance, despite the nature of its subject, story and shadow. It's a
treat, not a trick. Feeney is a serious composer and I, for one, marvel at his accomplishment. Sure: A
DRACULA ballet. Of course the notion seems ludicrous, but don't let the Dracula "taint" throw you off.
There's no Hollywood here. This is riveting, fabulous music that grips you in its vampiric tale,
mesmerizes you, surprises and enthralls and, then, maybe, just maybe, lets you go. Its attraction is
potent.”
1 Audio CD, 1997
Dracula Resources | Video
Dracula: Pages from a Virgin’s Diary
(Not Rated)
Starring: Wei-Qiang Zheng, Tara Birtwhistle
Director: Guy Maddin
Studio: Zeitgeist Films
“A ballet rendition of Bram Stoker's gothic novel DRACULA, presented in a style
reminiscent of the silent expressionistic cinema of the early 20th Century. This work
employs the subtle and sometimes bold use of color to emphasize its themes, but
mainly is presented in black-and-white, or tinted in monochrome. No spoken
dialogue can be heard, and the story of a sinister but intriguing immigrant who
preys upon young English women unfolds through dance, pantomime and subtitles.”
1 DVD Disc, 2004
The Nutcracker Resources | Books
The Nutcracker Ballet
(4 and up)
Vagin, Vladimir. Scholastic Paperbacks, 2002.
“This beautifully illustrated adaptation of the Nutcracker delivers timeless magic
and wonder right to your fingertips. A paperback edition offers front-row tickets
to this beloved holiday tradition. It's Christmas Eve in 19th century Europe. And
on this magical evening, young Clara's eccentric godfather has given her a
beautiful wooden nutcracker. As midnight strikes, Clara's wooden toy
transforms into a handsome prince, and Christmas quickly becomes even more
enchanting. The prince takes Clara on a romantic overnight adventure into a
dream world of delicacies called the Land of Sweets. Clara's adventure ends as she wakes up snuggly
tucked in her bed. As she embraces her nutcracker, she realizes that the best part of Christmas...is the
magic it brings.”
Nutcracker
(4 and up)
Denchfield, Nick. Macmillan Childrens, 2003.
“Explore the world of the Nutcracker through five spectacular pop-up scenes
full of lift-the-flap surprises. Children can open the pop-up presents, watch the
midnight battle between the mice and the toy soldiers (with the tallest pop-up
Christmas tree you've ever seen) then join Clara on her sleigh ride to the Land
of Sweets. Sue Scullard's astonishingly detailed illustration, combined with Nick Denchfield's
miraculous pop-up scenes, make this the most magical "Nutcracker" ever.”
The Nutcracker
(9 and up)
Unser, Virginia. New York: Peter Pauper Press, 1998.
“You don’t have to wait for Christmas to enjoy The Nutcracker. This
beautifully decorated version includes a Christmas present for kids and
parents alike: a CD of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker is ingeniously wrapped in the
book cover. This colorful and enchanting classic belongs in every collection.”
The Nutcracker Backstage:
The Story and the Magic
(Adult)
Whitehill, Angela & Noble, William. Princeton Book company, 2004.
“This inside look at the The Nutcracker combines both the story and insights
into the performance, creating a rich complement to the classic ballet.
Abundant illustrations and elaborate explanations of each character, from the
Nutcracker Prince to Mother Ginger, provide an invaluable supplement to the ballet experience. The
story behind Tchaikovsky's famous score and the elements of a quality performance are explained. The
trials of auditioning and training are chronicled with the testimony of professional dancers, artistic
directors, and choreographers who have been part of successful productions.”
The Nutcracker Resources | Music
Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker
Philharmonia Orchestra of London
Composer: Peter Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Conductor: Efrem Kurtz
Label: EMI Special Products
“Completed in 1892, Tchaikovsky’s entertaining masterpiece is one of the most
popular pieces ever created for ballet. A perennial favorite in theaters and
concert halls—especially at Christmastime—The Nutcracker vividly displays the
composer’s virtuosity in creating varied orchestral colors.”
1 Audio CD, suite from ballet, 1995
The Nutcracker Resources | Video
The Nutcracker / Baryshnikov, Kirkland, Charmoli
(1977)
(Not Rated)
Starring: Mikhail Baryshnikov, Gelsey Kirkland
Studio: Kultur Video
“After making its triumphant U.S. Premiere and playing to sold-out houses, John
Neumeier's superlative work of dance-theater returns, featuring an evocative score
by Lera Auerbach, and danced by the prestigious San Francisco Ballet featuring
acclaimed prima ballerina Yuan Yuan Tan. This heart-wrenching story of sacrifice
and unrequited love comes to life against dazzling scenic, costume and lighting designs.”
2 DVD Discs, 2004
The Nutcracker / Mariinsky Theatre (2007)
A full production of The Nutcracker by the Mariinsky Theatre Gergiev that
can be viewed on YouTube here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clWKDT4TQIk
Carmen.maquia Resources | Books
Carmen
(Adult)
Mérimée, Prosper. Norilana Books. September 16, 2007.
“Carmen (1845) by Prosper Mérimée is the original novella that inspired the
classic opera by Bizet. The unforgettable story of Carmen, a flirtatious,
charismatic, and amoral gypsy who bewitches and emotionally enslaves Don
José, a desperate man, into a tragic obsession, has captivated generations with its
passion and sensual intensity.”
A Night at the Opera
(Adult)
Forman, Sir Denis. Modern Library; Rev Sub edition . September 1, 1998.
“With an encyclopedic knowledge of opera and a delightful dash of irreverence,
Sir Denis Forman throws open the world of opera--its structure, composers,
conductors, and artists--in this hugely informative guide. A Night at the Opera
dissects the eighty-three most popular operas recorded on compact disc, from
Cilea's Adriana Lecouvreur to Mozart's Die Zauberflöte. For each opera, Sir
Denis details the plot and cast of characters, awarding stars to parts that are
"worth looking out for," "really good," or, occasionally, "stunning." He goes on to
tell the history of each opera and its early reception. Finally, each work is graded
from alpha to gamma. The guide also presents brief biographies of the great
composers, conductors, and singers. A glossary of musical terms is included, as well as Operatica, or
the essential elements of opera, from the proper place and style of the audience's applause (and boos)
to the use of surtitles. A Night at the Opera is for connoisseurs and neophytes alike. It will entertain and
inform, delight and (perhaps) infuriate, providing a subject for lively debate and ready reference for
years to come.”
A History of Opera
(Adult)
Abbate, Carolyn and Parker, Roger. W. W. Norton & Company. November 26,
2012.
A bold, engaging exploration of opera’s fundamental nature and enduring
appeal, from the sixteenth century to the present. A reader perfect for those
trying to gain a deeper understanding of opera.
“A history of opera is not lightly undertaken in this Age of Information,
particularly when it attempts to survey the entire 400-year period. Abbate
and Parker are up to the task and have more than succeeded in this
thoughtful, wide-ranging look at this art form. The opening chapter sets the
stage with an overview of a number of operatic issues, including words and
music, the question of reality onstage, and popularity and conventions in
staging. Succeeding chapters discuss opera’s origins, major composers, and styles at length. This is
not a dry recitation of musical facts but a collection of interesting, well-reasoned discussions supported
by abundant references to contemporary writings, critical studies, biographies, and other sources.
Opera fans who wish to go beyond program notes will appreciate the care and scholarship that went
into this rich and elegant history.” --Carolyn Mulac from Booklist
Carmen.maquia Resources | Music
Bizet: Carmen (Metropolitan Opera)
The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra
Composer: Georges Bizet
Conductor: Fritz Reiner
Label: Sony Masterworks
This 2-Disc Audio CD set contains a live performance of Bizet’s Carmen by
the Metropolitan Opera from February 16, 1952.
2 Audio CDs, 2011
The #1 Opera Album
Label: Decca
Compilation includes famous arias from La Boheme, Don Giovanni, Carmen,
and many others that will be sure to give you a great introduction to Opera
classics.
2 Audio CDs, 2001
Carmen.maquia Resources | Video
Bizet: Carmen (The Metropolitan Opera LIVE in HD)
(2010)
(Not Rated)
Starring: Elina Garanca, Roberto Alagna
Directors: Richard Eyre, Gary Halvorson
Studio: Deutsche Grammophon
“One of the most popular operas of all time, Georges Bizet’s Carmen (1875) tells
the story of a beautiful and passionate gypsy whose love affair with an officer
ends in tragedy. The score boasts several of opera’s greatest hits, including
Carmen’s Habanera and the Toreador Song.”
1 DVD Disc
Carmen (1983)
(Rated R)
Starring: Antonio Gades, Laura Del Sol
Director: Carlos Saura
This contemporary film is a great example of an operatic story, Carmen, by
Georges Bizet integrated with dance on film. Carlos Saura tells the story of
Carmen through Flamenco dance as the production becomes intertwined with the
dancer’s lives until you cannot quite tell reality from fiction.
Watch the full movie here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qabQZBeCjgs
Inspired Resources | Books
George Gershwin: An Intimate Portrait
(Music in American Life)
(Adult)
Rimler, Walter. University of Illinois Press; 1st Edition. July 21, 2009.
“George Gershwin lived with purpose and gusto, but with melancholy as well, for
he was unable to make a place for himself--no family of his own and no real home
in music. In George Gershwin: An Intimate Portrait, Walter Rimler makes use of
fresh sources, including newly discovered letters by Kay Swift as well as
correspondence between and interviews with intimates of Ira and Leonore
Gershwin. It is written with spirited prose and contains more than two dozen
photographs.”
George Balanchine: American Ballet Master
(Lerner Biographies)
(Ages 11+)
Kristy, Davida. Lerner Publications, April 1996.
“Kristy offers an entertaining biography of the renowned Russian-born
choreographer who changed the direction of American ballet by creating a style
in which dancers "dance the music" instead of simply telling stories. Although she
mentions Balanchine's autocratic management style and his sometimes cavalier
treatment of dancers, Kristy presents her subject--from dancer to director of the
prestigious New York City Ballet and creator of more than 100 ballets--in a fairly admiring tone… Ballet
terms are clearly explained in the text, and numerous black-and-white photographs, notes, and a
bibliography of adult books are provided.” Chris Sherman of Booklist
The Real Jane Austen: A Life in Small Things
(Adult)
Byrne, Paula. Harper Perennial, January 7, 2014.
“In The Real Jane Austen, acclaimed literary biographer Paula Byrne provides the
most intimate and revealing portrait yet of a beloved but complex novelist. Just as
letters and tokens in Jane Austen’s novels often signal key turning points in the
narrative, Byrne explores the small things – a scrap of paper, a gold chain, an ivory
miniature – that held significance in Austen’s personal and creative life. The Real
Jane Austen is a fresh, compelling, and surprising biography of the author of some of
our most enduring classic books – from Pride and Prejudice to Sense and Sensibility, Emma to
Persuasion – and a vivid evocation of the world that shaped her.” This biography will provide readers
with a background on the inspiration for Liaang’s Age of Innocence.
Inspired Resources | Music
George Gershwin: The Song Book; Rhapsody in
Blue; Who Cares?
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Composers: George Gerswhin, Hershy Kay
Conductor: Andrew Litton
Label: MCA Classics/RPO
“Includes the Rhapsody in Blue, four short piano solos played by Andrew Litton,
and an orchestral suite, "Who Cares," adapted from Gershwin songs by Hershy Kay.”
1 Audio CD
Queen: Greatest Hits I & II
Queen
Label: Hollywood Records
“This double-disc anthology supplants all previous hits collections with a 40page color booklet and 34 tracks packaged inside a gold box. Bohemian
Rhapsody; Killer Queen; We Are the Champions; Crazy Little Thing Called
Love; Another One Bites the Dust; We Will Rock You; Under Pressure; You're
My Best Friend every top tune.”
2 Audio CDs, 1995
Philip Glass - The Complete Piano Etudes
Composer: Philip Glass
Performer: Maki Namekawa
Label: Orange Mountain
“In 1994, Philip Glass resolved to become a better pianist, setting to work on a
series of short compositions that would help him hone his skills at the keyboard.
Two decades in the making, his 20 exquisite etudes have recently been
completed, standing as a record of one man s deeply personal relationship to
his instrument and an embodiment of his evolving style. Orange Mountain Music is proud to announce
the availability of The Complete Piano Etudes, a two-disc set covering both volumes of Glass piano
etudes, 20 pieces in all.”
2 Audio CDs, 2014
Inspired Resources | Video
New York City Ballet: Bringing Balanchine Back
(Not Rated)
Starring: George Balanchine, Valery Gergiev
Director: Richard Blanshard
Studio: City Lights Pictures
“New York City Ballet: Bringing Balanchine Back tells the story of New York City
Ballet's historic visit to St. Petersburg, Russia to perform at the famed Mariinsky
Theater, where ballet legend and NYCB co-founder George Balanchine received his
training and began his career. One of the most famous theaters in the world, the
Mariinsky is where Tschaikovsky created The Nutcracker and The Sleeping Beauty,
and where other greats of the ballet world such as Nureyev, Nijinsky and Baryshnikov took their first
ballet steps.”
Sleeping Beauty Resources | Books
The Complete Fairy Tales
(All Ages)
Perrault, Charles. Oxford University Press; Reprint edition. November 5, 2010.
The fairy tales of Perrault--stories that are known and loved around the world-are now available in this scintillating paperback edition, with twenty-six stunning
illustrations by Gustave Doré. The superb translation by Christopher Betts
exactly captures the tone and flavor of Perrault's world, and the delightful spirit of
the originals. In addition to the classic prose tales--including The Sleeping
Beauty in the Wood, Little Red Riding-Hood, Bluebeard, Puss in Boots,
Cinderella, and Hop o' my Thumb--this new translation adds Perrault's tales in
verse: a long poem on the subject of Patient Griselda; the notorious Donkey-Skin; and the comic Three
Silly Wishes. Bett's introduction deftly illuminates why in Perrault's hands these humble fairy tales have
such great imaginative power, showing how they transmute into vivid fantasies the hidden fears and
conflicts by which children are affected--fears of abandonment, conflicts with siblings and parents--and
resolve so satisfactorily the problems experienced by children while growing up. The volume also
includes appendices on related tales and selected variants, a bibliography, chronology, and notes.
Sleeping Beauty (Original Text with Classic
Illustrations)
(All Ages)
Perrault, Charles. Hythloday Press, May 20, 2014.
“Veiled in a thick and thorny wood, an enchanted princess lies sleeping for a century,
awaiting a prince, whose time has come to break the spell. The original tale of The
Sleeping Beauty in the Wood was written by Charles Perrault, inventor of the modern
fairy tale and creator of such timeless characters as Little Red Riding Hood and Puss
in Boots. It is among the most beautiful and enduring of all stories, and has inspired
hundreds of adaptations, including Disney’s Sleeping Beauty and Maleficent”
Sleeping Beauty: The Story of the Ballet
(All Ages)
Sale, Laurie. Andrews Mcmeel Publishers, August 1, 1995.
“The enchanting tale of Sleeping Beauty is also a favorite ballet. Exquisitely
illustrated, this retelling of the popular story uses scenes from the ballet to
demonstrate how a story is translated into dance. A lovely and instructive
introduction to ballet.”
Ella Bella Ballerina and the Sleeping Beauty
(Ages 4-8)
Mayhew, James. Barron’s Educational Series, August 2008.
“Little Ella Bella loves attending Madame Rosa's ballet class at the old theater.
Most of all she loves the music that plays from Madame Rosa's special music box,
the theme from The Sleeping Beauty ballet. One day, after ballet class has ended,
Ella Bella is left alone with the music box on the theater stage. As its music begins
playing, Ella is transported to the magical world where the Sleeping Beauty's story
takes place. Entering the palace of Princess Aurora, the Sleeping Beauty, Ella
meets all the story's characters--not only the good ones, but also the sinister bad
fairy--and she sees the famous story unfold before her very eyes. Here is an unusually imaginative
retelling of the classic fairy tale, with illustrations that capture the story's magic and mystery. A brief
postscript on the book's final page summarizes the history of ballet from its origins during the Italian
Renaissance to the late nineteenth-century, when the famous Russian composer Piotr Ilich
Tchaikovsky wrote music for The Sleeping Beauty ballet.”
Sleeping Beauty Resources | Music
Tchaikovsky: Sleeping Beauty
London Symphony Orchestra
Composer: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Conductor: Andre Previn
Label: Warner Classics
The London Symphony Orchestra’s interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s ballet,
Sleeping Beauty.
2 Audio CDs, 2010
Sleeping Beauty Resources | Video
Sleeping Beauty
(Not Rated)
Starring: Svetlana Zakharova, David Hallberg
Director: Marius Petipa
Studio: Bel Air Classiques
Svetlana Zakharova and David Hallberg star in Bolshi Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty.
Music by P.I. Tchaikovsky, choreography by Yuri Grigorovich.
1 DVD Disc, 2012
General Recommended Reading by Age Group
Early Childhood (Ages 0-6)
Leap and Twirl
Anderson, Steven C. BalletMet Columbus. 2012.
“Follow Leap and Twirl, a silly frog and a lovable squirrel, as they learn
about friendship, creativity, self expression and the joy of exercise
through dance in the new book, Leap and Twirl. With its whimsical story
and fun, colorful artwork Leap and Twirl reminds kids that every day is a
day to learn and to dance.”
Angelina Ballerina 25th Anniversary Edition
Holabird, Katharine. Viking Juvenile, 2008.
“Fancy Nancy and her best friend, Bree, couldn’t be more excited
about their upcoming dance show. After all, it’s all about mermaids—
and who knows how to be a fancy, glamorous mermaid better than
Fancy Nancy herself? But when another ballerina wins the coveted
role of the mermaid, Nancy is stuck playing a dreary, dull tree. Can
Nancy bring fancy flair to her role, even though it isn’t the one she
wanted? And when disaster strikes right before the big ballet, who will
step in to steal the spotlight?”
Everybody Dance!
Sandvick, Jenny Miglis. Random House Books for Young Readers, 2008.
“ZOE LOVES BALLET and her friends on Sesame Street™ love all kinds of
dance, from hula to tap! As Zoe looks for a partner, she visits each of them, trying
out different dances along the way. But as she learns in the end, there’s nothing
better than dancing with all your friends together! This sturdy board book has a
half-page flap in each spread that can be flipped back and forth to make the characters really dance.”
Giraffes Can’t Dance
Andreae, Giles. New York, NY: Scholastic, 2001.
“Gerald the giraffe longs to dance, but his legs are too skinny and his neck is too
long…At the Jungle Dance, the warthogs waltz, the chimps cha-cha, and the lions
tango…there is one little creature who believes in Gerald. "Everything makes
music," the cricket explains… So Gerald starts swaying to his own sweet tune.
With light-footed rhymes and high-stepping illustrations, this tale is gentle inspiration for every child with
dreams of greatness.”
Twinkle Toes
Katz, Karen. USA: Penguin Group, 2008.
“The ballerina star on the cover of this irresistible novelty board book has on a real
tulle tutu! Inside, she is a fluttery butterfly with shimmering lamé wings, a toetapping cowgirl with a sequin vest, a dancing princess in a sparkly gown, and
more. Toddlers will love touching the sparkly textures as well as copying all the
dance moves.”
Dancing Feet!
Craig, Lindsey. Random House Children’s Book, 2010.
“…features funny sound words (Tippity! Creepity! Stompity! Thumpity!), dancing
animals, a singsong beat, and a guessing element just easy enough for
preschoolers to anticipate. Marc Brown's artwork is bright, textured, and joyful,
a collage of simple shapes for kids to find and name. So grab a partner and tap
your feet to this read-aloud picture-book treat.”
Josephine Wants to Dance
French, Jackie. Abrams, Harry N., Inc., 2007.
“Josephine aspires to be a ballerina, complete with a pink tutu and toe
shoes. The only problem: she's a kangaroo! Little children, so often told
"you can't do that," will relate to Josephine as they are transported by the
lyrical language of the story. The whimsical illustrations are a perfect
complement to this inspiring tale.”
Dancing in the Wings
Allen, Debbie. Puffin; Reprint edition. December 1, 2003.
Sassy is a long-legged girl who always has something to say. She wants to be a
ballerina more than anything, but she worries that her too-large feet, too-long
legs, and even her big mouth will keep her from her dream. When a famous
director comes to visit her class, Sassy does her best to get his attention with her
high jumps and bright leotard. Her first attempts are definitely not appreciated, but
with Sassy's persistence, she just might be able to win him over. Dancing in the
Wings is loosely based on actress/choreographer Debbie Allen's own
experiences as a young dancer.
Juvenile (Ages 6+)
A Child’s Introduction to Ballet: The Stories, Music,
and Magic of Classical Dance (Book & CD)
Lee, Laura. Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers, 2007.
“The latest volume in Black Dog’s successful book-and-CD series combines the
mesmerizing stories of the world’s great ballets with fun facts, dancing how-tos,
history, profiles— all accompanied by charming original watercolors.
From Swan Lake and The Nutcracker to Peter and the Wolf and Fancy Free, the of twenty-five of the
world’s best-loved ballets are told, accompanied by corresponding tracks on an enclosed CD. These
are the charming stories that bring ballet to life on the stage, along with the music that has made them
into enduring classics.
Surrounding the stories is a captivating, illustrated history of ballet, each page filled with information,
artwork, and profiles of the world’s great dancers, choreographers, and composers. There are even
instructions on ballet positions and the key moves that every dancer needs to know.
The musical selections included on the CD are keyed to specific points in the text, making the book
uniquely interactive, educational, and fun.”
Ballet Stories: Swan Lake, Coppelia, Sleeping
Beauty, Nutcracker, Giselle
Angus, David. Playaway, 2007.
“The stories of the most popular ballets are told against the backdrop of the
music written by Delibes, Tchaikovsky, and Adam…[and set] out to present the
definitive introduction for children in this sympathetic reading. The lively text is
rich with detail and imagery to describe the scenes. The music punctuates and
enlivens; the sound is perfect--clear, beautifully edited and mixed.”
Preloaded digital audio player
The Book of Movement Exploration: Can You Move
Like This?
Feierabend, John. Gia Publications, 2004.
“Children will develop an awareness for their bodies, time, space, weight,
locomotion, flow, and shape. Performed quickly or slowly, with music or without,
solo or in a group, these activities make for fun, engaging educational experiences
for children.”
Dance! With Bill T. Jones
Kuklin, Susan and Jones, Bill. Hyperion Books, 1988.
“This is a great book that introduces the use of the body and dance’s basic
elements through text and photographs.”
The BalletMet Education Department has a terrific dance unit built around this book.
Contact us to bring the lesson to your school!
The Only Boy in Ballet Class
Gruska, Denise. China: Gibbs Smith, 2007.
“Tucker Dohr loves to dance. His passion is ballet. When he gets to Madame
Clara’s Dance Studio, takes off his shoes, and puts on his very worn-out ballet
slippers, he jumps so high it feels like flying and everything in the world makes
sense. Even though some people don’t understand his passion- including Uncle
Frank and the boys on the football field-the chance is coming for Tucker to prove
to everyone just how great ballet can be!”
Steps in Ballet: Basic Exercises
Mara, Thalia. Highstown, NJ: Princeton Book Company Publishers, 2004.
“Steps in Ballet presents a clear and simple of exposition of beginning
ballet technique. Throughout the book the correct balletic terms are given
in French, with the phonetic pronunciation of each and their meanings.
The book is profusely illustrated with line drawing showing the correct
movements and occasional humorous drawings of what not to do.”
The Barefoot Book of Dance Stories
Yolen, Jane. Barefoot Books, 2010.
“Anansi, witches, gods, goddesses, and fairies inhabit these adventurous,
mysterious, and fanciful stories that capture the magical power of dance. The
bright watercolor and mixed-media illustrations with stylized backgrounds feature
sweeping curves and patterns that swirl as if dancing across the page, as
dynamic and graceful characters engage in their activities. With all of the recent
popularity of dance, these ageless tales may get readers “moving to the beat.”
Young Adult (Ages 12+)
Girl in Motion: A Novel
Wenger-Landis, Miriam. CreateSpace, 2010.
“At the School of Ballet New York, the most prestigious ballet school in the country,
aspiring ballerina Anna becomes friends with her talented roommate, Hilary, a
French exchange student, Marie, a down-to-earth mid-westerner, Jen, and one of
the cutest guys in school, Tyler. The competition is intense and Anna works hard to
understand her famous teachers and navigate her ups and downs with her friends.
Some of the dancers struggle with eating disorders, injuries, and depression.
Everyone's goal is a contract with a professional ballet company, and as graduation nears, the pressure
intensifies. Although Anna goes to all the ballet companies' annual auditions, she receives not a single
offer. Falling for Tyler complicates things, but with the lead in the annual workshop performance, Anna
gets one last chance to make her dreams come true.”
Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina
Copeland, Misty. Touchstone; First Edition edition. March 4, 2014.
“If you’d asked Copeland, soloist for the American Ballet Theatre, when she was a
young African American teenager about her vision of the future, she would
probably have said that the only thing less likely than her writing a memoir was her
becoming a world-class ballerina. But when a teacher encouraged 13-year-old
Misty to take ballet at the Boys and Girls Club of Los Angeles, she discovered a
hidden talent. Her natural flexibility and grace had her on pointe within two months,
something other ballerinas work years to achieve. She was offered lead roles
before finishing high school. Her professional success is impressive, but it’s not
what makes her memoir such an unexpected page-turner. After all, we already know Copeland will
overcome racial and socioeconomic bias to claim her spotlight. What keeps us reading is Copeland’s
intelligent, fair, and warm voice. She speaks with candor about having to lose her luscious curves and
cover herself with white makeup to look more acceptable on stage, but she never places blame on
those who asked her to do so. Her story is an inspiration to anyone—man or woman, black or white—
who has ever chased a dream against the odds, and the grace with which she triumphs is an example
for us all.” --Amber Peckham from Booklist
Ballet Stories
Denchfield, Nick. Kingfisher, 2004.
“Serious ballet students as well as those who simply love to read about the
dancer's art will enjoy this 15-story anthology featuring young people who are
learning to dance or beginning their careers. Although two of the selections are
drawn from autobiographies (Margot Fonteyn and Lynn Seymour), most are
chapters from novels.”
Popular Dance: from Ballroom to Hip-Hop
Smith, Karen Lynn. Facts on File, Incorporated, 2010.
“Popular Dance: from Ballroom to Hip-Hop takes readers on a journey through the
trends and developments in popular dancing from European nobles during the
Renaissance and early Baroque periods in Europe through twenty-first century
America. In full-color, this book explores the social and historical elements that
influence the waltz, the Charleston, jitterbug, and urban street dancing (such as
Krumping), teaching readers about the continuous crossover between theatrical
performance and dancing for pleasure.”
101 Stories of the Great Ballets
Balanchine, George. New York: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, 1975.
“Written by the world’s most renowned choreographer, ballet master, and teacher,
here are the scene-by-scene stories of 101 popular ballets- a choice selection of both
classical and contemporary ballets as performed by the world’s leading ballet
companies. More than half the selections have been created only recently and appear
here in book form for the first time. The remaining balance are standard classical
works, which form the core of the repertoire. Together these stories of ballets old and
new provide a complete overview of, and introduction to, the current ballet scene.”
Meet the Dancers: from Ballet, Broadway, and Beyond
Nathan, Amy. Henry Holt and Company, 2008.
“Lots of kids enjoy dancing, but what motivates them to push past the sore muscles,
early-morning technique classes, and crazy schedule required to become a
professional dancer? In this book, dancers from many backgrounds talk about their
different paths to success in ballet, modern, jazz, Broadway, and hip-hop.”
Dance Magazine
MacFadden Performing Arts Media. -www.dancemagazine.com
Dance Magazine is an awesome resource for all forms of information about
dance itself and the dance community.
Adult
Conditioning for Dance
Franklin, Eric. Human Kinetics, 2003.
“Even the best sense of rhythm, the most careful technical training, and the most
astute dance intuition aren't enough to make a dancer truly excel; you also need
focused strength, balance, and flexibility to execute the movements with power and
grace. Conditioning for Dance improves your technique and performance in all dance
forms by strengthening the body's core (abdominal and back muscles) while improving
coordination, balance, and alignment and optimizing flexibility. The result is more lift without tension,
deeper pliés, higher jumps with less effort, tighter turns, and improved extension and turnout.”
Anatomy of Movement
Calais-Germain, Blandine. Seattle, Washington: Eastland Press, 2007.
“Anatomy of Movement presents a dynamic, integrated approach to the study of
the physical structures of the human body. In clear, concise text illustrated with
more than a thousand graphic drawings, the author guides the reader on a lively
tour of the muscles, bones, ligaments, and joints of the arms, legs, and trunk.
The focus throughout the book is on anatomy not for its own sake, but in its
functional relationship to actual movements of the body in dance, exercise, and
other physical disciplines.”
Oxford Dictionary of Dance
Crane & Mackrell. USA: Oxford University Press, 2005.
“This dictionary covers the explosion of new dance languages and choreography,
the growing appreciation of dance forms from around the world as well as classical
and modern dance.”
Moving History/Dancing Cultures: A Dance History
Reader
Ed. Dils, Ann and Albright, Ann Cooper. Middletown, Connecticut: Wesleyan University
Press, 2001.
“This dance history reader is a collection of essays that surveys the history of
dance in an innovative and well-ranging fashion. Editors Dils and Albright have
created a multi-faceted, non-linear, yet well-structured and comprehensive
survey of select moments in the development of both American and World
dance. Illustrated with over fifty photographs, it makes an ideal text for undergraduate classes in dance
ethnography, criticism, or appreciation, as well as dance history—particularly those with a crosscultural, contemporary or an American focus.”
Partnering Dance and Education: Intelligent Moves for
Changing Times
Hanna, Judith Lynne. United States: Judith Lynne Hanna, 1999.
“In Partnering Dance and Education, Dr. Judith Lynne Hanna presents a compelling
argument for making dance central to every student’s education. She examines current
trends and issues in dance education to show how dance can be successfully justified
and taught in today’s changing educational environment.”
Production Elements in Dance
Technical Theater for Nontechnical People
Cambell, Drew. New York: Allworth Press, 2007.
“Technical Theater is an indispensable resource designed to help producers,
actors, dancers, playwrights, directors, even planners, press agents, and anyone
else involved in live performance, understand and utilize every aspect of the
backstage environment. With comprehensive explanation of equipments and
concepts, and important terms highlighted and defined in a convenient glossary,
this book is an essential guide for working with technicians and technical
equipment.”
How to Dress Dancers: Costuming Techniques for
Dance
Harrison, Mary Kent. Highstown, NJ: Princeton, 1989.
“Geared for costuming dancers, this book includes more than 400 line drawings that
demonstrate how to make a costume from a sketch rather than a pattern. Detailed
instructions for making classical and romantic tutus, bodices, blouses, costumes for
men, tights, leotards, and skirts are presented, along with designs for character,
national, and period costumes.”
Additional Music for Dance Resources
Ballet Adagios
Composer: Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky, Igor Stravinsky, Léo Delibes, etc.
Label: DECCA
“Ballet Adagios is a double-disc collection of dances and excerpts from ballets
that generally have slow tempos and lyrical expressions as common features.
Taken from Decca's backlist of recordings made between 1960 and 1993, the
selections represent the most famous ballet composers.”
2 Audio CDs, 2009
Delibes: Coppélia (complete in three acts) /
La Source (suites)
Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra (Bratislava)
Composer: Leo Delibes
Conductor: Andrew Mogrelia
Label: Naxos
“Not only is Coppélia notable as Delibes' first complete ballet score written
solo, but it's also noted as a work that moved ballet music forward in a major
step. Delibes provided a generous amount of expressive character in his music - a new idea at the time
- to produce music that is a descriptive tone poem. Many find that his music contains early
impressionist elements, as well as the new, more sophisticated use of the leitmotif.”
2 Audio CDs, 1996
Glazunov: The Seasons; Scènes de Ballet
Czecho-Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra (Bratislava)
Composer: Alexander Glazunov
Conductor: Ondrej Lenard
Label: Amadis
“Glazunov's music was and is individualistic, melodious, and filled with talent.
His style ranged from Russian nationalism to Lisztian romanticism to classicism
and his music was a true bridge between the Russian and the so-called
German style of composition. He utilized folk melodies and songs that give his music its distinctly
Russian character.”
1 Audio CD, 2000
Minkus: Don Quixote, Paquita, La Bayadere
Boston Symphony Orchestra
Composer: Ludwig Minkus
Conductor: John Lanchbery
Label: EMI Classics
“Ludwig Minkus composed some of the most important full-length ballet
scores during the golden age of classical ballet in Russia in the second half
of the 19th century. His works, which often involved exotic settings like
Spain and India, included Don Quixote and La Bayadère, and he frequently
contributed additional music to existing ballets such as Paquita.”
2 Audio CDs, 2011
Complete Ballets
Orchestre De La Suisse Romande
Composer: Peter Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Label: Brilliant Classics
“A superb 6 CD set that brings together the very best of Ansermet's Decca
Tchaikovsky recordings.
As well as the three great ballet scores, the 6th Symphony receives a wonderful reading.”
6-CD Box Set, 2010
The Copland Collection: Orchestral & Ballet
Works (1936-1948)
New Philharmonia Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, and
Philharmonia Orchestra of London
Composer: Aaron Copland
Conductor: Aaron Copland
Label: SONY
“Aaron Copland made numerous recordings of his own music, including an
extensive series for CBS during the 1960s and '70s, mostly with London orchestras. These accounts do
a good job of conveying the overall shape of the pieces, and they deliver telling characterizations of
many episodes. Details emerge that are lost in some other accounts, and there is an appealing
gentleness and sweetness to the approach.”
3 Audio CDs, 1991
George Gershwin: Ultimate Collection/Various
Composer: George Gershwin
Label: DECCA
“This year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of George Gershwin. This
wonderful collection includes Gershwin standards performed by Ella
Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Oscar Peterson, Fred Astaire and
Arthur Fiedler with the Boston Pops Orchestra.”
2 Audio CDs, 1998
Rufus Wainwright
Artist: Rufus Wainwright
Label: DreamWorks
“The singer/songwriters working today who point to Tin Pan Alley and
Broadway musicals as central inspirations can be counted on an index finger.
Rufus Wainwright is quite an anomaly. Wainwright has been compared to
Randy Newman for his piano-based orchestral sense, but unlike Newman, he
rarely turns those poppy conventions against themselves: he's always
sentimental and sincere about the fluff he explores. Fans of folk simplicity should skip this one, but the
more adventurous may find the charm in Wainwright's ambitious debut.”
1 Audio CD, 1998

Breaking Ballet Resources | Books

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