Ballet is a detailed guide to creative practice and performance. Compiled by ten leading practitioners, each chapter focuses on an aspect of ballet as a performing art. Together they outline a journey from the underpinning principles of ballet, through an appreciation of different styles and schooling, into the dance studio for practice in class and beyond. With additional insights from highly acclaimed dancers, choreographers and teachers, this practical guide offers advice on fundamental and advanced training and creative development. As well as providing information from dance science research into training well-being, this book supports the individual dancer in their artistic growth, offering strategies for exploration and discovery. Topics include: principles, styles and schooling of classical ballet; fundamental technique and advanced expression; developing versatility and creative thinking; advice on injury management, nutrition and lifestyle; choreography and music and, finally, best practice in the rehearsal studio is covered. 'A wonderfully accessible and comprehensive resource about the individual disciplines involved in ballet.’ Leanne Benjamin OBE, former Principal of The Royal Ballet and international coach
Jennifer Jackson is the Artistic Director of Images Ballet Company at London Studio Centre. A former soloist with The Royal Ballet, Senior Lecturer at the University of Surrey and choreography tutor at The Royal Ballet School, Jennifer has danced a range of principal roles in classical and new ballets, and her commissioned choreography includes works for ballet companies, vocational schools and educational projects. She is also published in academic books and professional dance journals.
Press Reviews
If I had to recommend just one book to a vocational dance student, it would be Ballet: The Essential Guide to Technique and Creative Practice. In ten chapters, each written by an expert, the book covers the full range of material of which anyone embarking on a career in ballet needs understanding and awareness. Authoritative and clearly laid out, the book is extremely attractive, with lovely pictures, many in colour. This book will empower dance students, enabling them to make informed decisions as they take responsibility for their own development as artists and in doing so, they will ensure that ballet continues to ‘happen’.
It's an inclusive and comprehensive guide to the profession and very much of the moment... I would describe it as a 'ballet bible'. What comes across is the need to find the right path for each individual student, dancer or choreographer, and the absolute requirement for versatility, but, above all, an ability to listen and absorb. A very worthwhile read.
There are a lot of books that cover the technical aspects of ballet, however Jackson’s book directs the reader through ways that they can develop and deepen their practice even further by highlighting the importance of individuality, versatility, performance and a contextual knowledge. This book would be the most helpful for pre-professional/professional ballet dancers and ballet teachers but could also be helpful as a reference for any dancer due to the large variety of topics covered.
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