Books: looking for a good beginner book/dvd (UK)

[david2189]

has anyone got any suggestions of a good book and dvd for beginner ballet?

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Step-step-Ballet-C...4347&sr=8-3

 

thats what im looking at getting at the moment..

 

suggestions?

[Victoria Leigh]

If you are studying RAD, that book might be okay, but I think it would be more valuable to have Classical Ballet Technique, by Gretchen Ward Warren. It is like a large, fully illustrated dictionary of ballet. You might also check out the DVD of the Video Dictionary of Classical Ballet. Gail Grant's Technical Manual and Dictionary of Classical Ballet is also good, and very inexpensive, if you can't afford the Gretchen Warren one.

[david2189]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B...indhotelinth-21

 

just found that think ill get that and the book to go along with it

 

edit: the book looks a little expensive ill see if i can find it cheap if not ill probably go for the second

Edited May 15, 2008 by david2189

[Clara 76]

Check your local library to see if they have a copy. It's worth every pound though- I have her book and re-read it every year.

[dancingjet]

I found a used copy of the Warren book and think it is a great resource. It's been very helpful to me. I also have the Dictionary of Classical Ballet DVD, and it's been useful to me as well.

[ifnotwhynot]

I have a copy of the RAD book you mention and, although it serves a purpose, I don't think it is particularly helpful. It is basically syllabus based and goes through some, but not all, of the steps in each RAD grade. I have to say that it is also somewhat out of date as the syllabi have been changed since publication.

 

The book is aimed at fairly young children and I get the feeling that this may not apply to you, so I may be tempted to look elsewhere for a more comprehensive guide.

[david2189]

just ordered the Classical Ballet Technique (paperback) managed to find it a bit cheaper from one of the amazon sellers (£16 + shipping brand new) http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listing/0...8707&sr=8-3 from the book depository if anyones looking for it cheap themselves

 

also got the Dictionary of Classical Ballet DVD

 

£34 in total!

[trythis]

I liked this one, as a parent, it has helped a lot with the terminology. The pictures are great.

http://www.amazon.com/Ballet-Companion-Dan...3622&sr=1-7