Superguides: Ballet - Hardcover

Kate Castle began her career as a dancer with the Royal Ballet. Later she became the education officer for the company, and has worked as a dance consultant and educator for many years. She has written several children's books about ballet, including the Kingfisher favorite The Best Book of Ballet.

Grade 4-6-Featuring colorful, accurate, and sometimes very detailed illustrations, this introduction to the world of ballet provides a wealth of information. Succinct chapters cover ballet's history and technique; the roles of the composer, choreographer, and designer; the actual performance; and even a glimpse into the diaries of a professional dancer and an 11-year-old student. Biographical sketches of some of the foremost choreographers and dancers of the 20th century, as well as synopses of some of the great ballet stories and companies, are included. There are even tips on ways to enjoy ballet. This oversized volume would make a fine companion to Darcy Bussell and Patricia Linton's The Young Dancer (DK, 1994). Both are excellent sources for accurate insights and details, with Bussell and Linton spending more time on technique and Castle adding more details about all of the components that create this special world.
Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.