Basic Principles of Classical Ballet: Russian Ballet Technique

Still reading this book. So far, it has been a great reading experience.

The formation of the Russian classical style at the end of the 19th century was an extremely important event in the history of ballet, yet it is not something that happened all at once.This book helps explain how the different national techniques of Italy/France/Denmark came together to inform the Russian technique--probably the most influential training style of the 20th century.The pictures are pretty cute, too.

I am thoroughly enjoying this book. I read it before class, in particular, I read about the things I will be doing in that class so that I am well prepared. I often read it during a relaxing stretch. If there's anything in particular that I want to learn it's great because of the very descriptive language. I only wish it had a glossary of terms with a picture/diagram next to it, so that if you're in a hurry you won't have to read through a whole paragraph. The russian to english translation in some places are a bit iffy, which causes some vagueness and ambiguity in it when trying to understand it. But as whole, it is a very good read. To sum it up:PROS:- very descriptive- good diagrams- easy to read and to understandCONS:- a few areas of vagueness due to the russian to english translation (a very minor con)ADVICE:- I suggest you use this book along side with 100 Lessons in Classical Ballet: The Eight-Year Program of Leningrad's Vaganova Choreographic School (Vera S. Kostrovitskaya).- Highlight particular words or phrases that help you understand the particular term, so that later if/when you're in a hurry you can just flick through the book to find what you need.

Es un libro preciso sobre teoría. Interesante.

Because my own dance education was rather inconsistent (spent time under teachers who each used Cecchetti, Vaganova, Balanchine, and Neumeier methods), i ordered this book to help me once i myself began to teach. After reading it, i will forever be a Vaganova fan. Her method is, well, methodical. Very detailed, well-thought out and well-planned. It's easy to see why she was so successful. My first struggle was that some of the names of steps she uses are now archaic, so i had to do some research to figure out what she was talking about! I also found this book more helpful when combined with another book, called The Perfect Pointe System, which was developed by a dance physiotherapist in Australia named Lisa Howell. Vaganova's way of teaching artistry is excellent, but i found it necessary to incorporate more modern/scientific ideas about how to use the muscles safely and effectively, which is where Lisa Howell's book came in. I also bought this book together with 100 Lessons in Classical Ballet, which showed how to fit Vaganova's thoughts into an actual lesson. Put together, i definitely learned more from reading these three books than from all my years of "dance education" combined!

Great book! I enjoy it! Arrived just in time. Thank you.

A classic, must own volume at a great price.

Classic of classical ballet. A small book, old-fashioned little drawings, but all is explained. I had this one growing up, and now got it for my daughter. It contains everything from basics to more complicated positions, so one uses it differently as one advances through the art.In any case also an item of general ballet culture, giving good insight into the Russian Classical Ballet school.

Love this book.I have read it 4 times since purchased.Assist me with my classical dance classes.Going to use this as a reference guide.Agrippina Vaganova is remarkable.

The perfect gift for a Vagonova taught dancer for her sentimental library

The descriptions of ballet moves are good but the illustrations are small and not always much help. The book was delivered from America so it did take a while to arrive but was in excellent condition, very good value.

A super book, from one ballet's greats. An easy to read book, which is not too long. Contains straight-forward explanations of the Russian way of teaching ballet.

Great resource