Beginning Ballet and the accompanying web resource introduce students to the study of ballet as a performing art and provide instructional support in learning foundational ballet technique. Part of Human Kinetics' Interactive Dance Series, Beginning Ballet is for students enrolled in a beginning ballet class at the college, university, or high school level. The book features more than 80 photos and concise descriptions covering basic foot and arm positions, barre exercises, and centre combinations. Beginning Ballet introduces students to the structure of a ballet class, including expectations, etiquette, and attire. Students also learn how to prepare for class, maintain proper nutrition and hydration, and avoid injury. This text outlines the unique history of ballet from its beginnings in the Renaissance to the 21st century and discusses the styles, aesthetics, artists, and significant works that have shaped ballet as a performing art. In addition, the accompanying web resource presents more than 70 instructional video clips and 50 photos to help students learn and practice beginning ballet. The web resource also includes an interactive quiz, audio clips of ballet terms with pronunciation in French, and assignments. The quiz covers vocabulary of beginning ballet, definitions, and translation to and from the French language. (The web resource is included with all new print books and some ebooks. For ebook formats that don't provide access, the web resource is available separately.) Ballet class provides the foundation for learning the dance form, and Beginning Ballet supports that learning through visual, verbal, and interactive instructional tools. Beginning Ballet text and web resource help bring the grace, artistry, and mental and physical benefits of ballet to students. Beginning Ballet is a part of Human Kinetics' Interactive Dance Series. The series includes resources for modern dance, ballet, and tap dance that support introductory dance technique courses taught through dance, physical education, and fine arts departments. Each student-friendly text includes a web resource offering video clips of dance instruction, assignments, and activities. The Interactive Dance Series offers students a guide to learning, performing, and viewing dance.
Gayle Kassing, PhD, taught beginning ballet through advanced ballet for more than 25 years at four universities. Kassing earned a BFA in ballet and theater, an MS in modern dance, a PhD in dance and related arts, and an MAT in K-12 curriculum integrated with technology. She was the 2010 National Dance Association (NDA) Artist Scholar. She is a member of the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO). She is the author of History of Dance and coauthor of Teaching Beginning Ballet Technique. Kassing is an acquisitions editor at Human Kinetics.
Chapter 1. Introduction to Ballet Benefits of Studying Ballet Ballet in Academic Settings Ballet in Community Settings Basics of Ballet Class Expectations and Etiquette for Students Structure of Ballet Class Challenges of Learning and Performing Ballet Summary Chapter 2. Preparing for Class Dressing for Class Foot Care and Personal Hygiene Carrying Dance Gear Selecting and Fitting Ballet Slippers Preparing Yourself Mentally and Physically Summary Chapter 3. Safety and Health Studio Safety Personal Safety Basic Anatomy and Kinesiology Preventing and Treating Common Dance Injuries Understanding Dance Fitness Nutrition, Hydration, and Rest Summary Chapter 4. Learning and Performing Ballet Technique Languages of Ballet Learning Ballet Movements Learning Ballet Technique Understanding Musicality Understanding Artistry Applying Aesthetic Principles to Ballet Preparing for Class Performance Testing Summary Chapter 5. Basics of Ballet Technique Positions of the Feet Positions of the Arms and Port de Bras Movement Principles for Ballet Directions of the Body Directions of the Feet Types of Barre Combinations Types of Center Combinations Summary Chapter 6. At the Barre Standing at the Barre Pre-Barre Exercises Barre Exercises Summary Chapter 7. In the Center Rules and Protocols Center Barre Port de Bras Adagio Introduction and Transition Steps Allegro Reverence Summary Chapter 8. History of Ballet Beginnings of Ballet Ballet Moves From the Court to the Theater A Century of Contrast: Romanticism to Classicism Ballet in the United States Before 1900 Ballet in the Twentieth Century International Perspectives in the Twentieth Century Viewing Ballet Performances Distinguishing Types and Styles of Ballet Summary
"What is most welcome about Beginning Ballet is the multidisciplines represented-dance medicine and science, dance education, and dance history. This, combined with the preparation-for-class information (foot care, dance gear, selecting and fitting shoes, mental preparation) and technique instruction (positions of the arms and feet, barre and center combinations, center barre, port de bras, adagio and allegro), makes it a valuable text for students." Gigi Berardi-- Midwest Book Review
