Thanks to everyone who posted a list a great ballet books. I have a few to add that are excellent as well. I collect all kinds of books on ballet both modern and vintage - as a teacher I can never get enough! If someone else mentioned these already I apologize, but these are the books I love that I didn't see mentioned. Got all of them on ebay at great prices...

BOTH SIDES OF THE MIRROR by Anna Paskeva
Favorite part: It thoroughly describes what muscles are used in each of the traditional exercises and what sucessful execution of each will help the dancer to achieve.

TUNE UP YOUR TURNOUT by Deborah Vogel
Favorite part: Helpful in demystifying how turnout works and how to increase it safely.

THE CECCHETTI METHOD OF CLASSICAL BALLET by Beaumont and Idzikowski
Favorite part: Gives many full exercises that I refer to when I start to feel stale and in need of an infusion of ideas.

THE BALLET LOVER'S COMPANION
THE BALLET LOVER'S POCKETBOOK
THE BALLET-STUDENT'S PRIMER
all by Kay Ambrose

Favorite part: All the pictures in each one. These are older books but full of great info and pics.

JAZZ DANCE CLASS by Gus Giordano

Favorite part: Chock full of jazz class exercises, sometimes a litte hard to follow but really good ideas andsuggestions for barre, center, adage, and across the floor for beg - adv. jazz classes.


Hope these are helpful to you all!

"Dance is music made visible" Balanchine

Laurel