A website for dancers, dance teachers and others interested in dance
This book by Gelsey Kirkland is a well-written account of her life as a ballerina. It chronicles her struggle with drug addiction, anorexia and bulimia and her ultimate triumph over all of these things. Written with a heartfelt voice, it paints an interesting picture of how difficult the world of professional ballet can be if the wrong paths are chosen. Still, ultimately the message is one of hope and self-redemption.
Find Dancing on My Grave
This is an excellent book on ballet technique by Gretchen Ward Warren who is a Professor of Dance at the University of South Florida. She has also been the Ballet Mistress at American Ballet Theatre II. I have read this book myself and can vouch for its usefullness as a teacher. It is simple, clear and direct, and has plenty of photographs to illustrate proper technique. Great for the beginning or intermediate ballet instructor or for your dance library.
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If you are looking for a good on-line dance dictionary (ballet oriented), check out American Ballet Theatre’s Online Ballet Dictionary. It has everything from Adagio to Viruoso. This is a good resource for dancers and also a good one for those who watch ballet and want to know a little bit more about it. Ballet teachers may be able to utilize these definitions in class.