“At last! A wonderful ballet textbook at an affordable price.” — Suzanne Seiber, Southern Oregon University

"My colleague and I are very impressed with the scope and depth of the definitions and illustrations in this text.” — Marcus Hayes, Austin Peay State University

“I love this book! It’s an excellent tool for our students. We strongly suggest they keep it for reference after graduation.” — Patricia Oplotnik, Oklahoma City University

“It is very useful for students at the intermediate level who need a better understanding of terminology, purpose of exercises, and execution. The descriptions are clear and easy to understand, giving students written material for ballet that supports the physical experience.” — Laurie Lowry, Saint Mary’s College

“Excellent for the intermediate ballet dance student. The explanations of the technique are detailed and clear. The pictures are helpful for a clear visualization.” — Iris Pell, Pasadena City College

“An ideal text for the college-level ballet student that integrates vocabulary, execution, and mechanics with a thorough grounding in the history of ballet. It is sound, easily applied in the class, and written for the beginning ballet student who is also a sophisticated learner.” — Karen Eliot, Ohio State University

“An excellent primer.” — Lorin Johnson, California State University, Long Beach

1. Getting Ready
Studio/Stage Directions / Variety of Interpretation / Positions of the Arms / Descriptive Terms / The Four E's: Equilibrium, Extension, Elevation, Endurance / The "Good" Class / Survival

2. Barre Exercises
Warm-Up Sequence before Pliés / Preparation and Finish / Additional Barre Exercises / More Battements / More Ronds de Jambe / More Développés / More Corps et Bras Exercises / Putting It All Together

3. Center Exercises
Traveling Exercises Using Épaulement / Turning Exercises / Diagonal Exercises / Corps et Bras Combinations / Additional Arabesques and Attitudes / Poses en Attitude / Additional Adagio Exercises / Some Fouettés / Turns

4. Allegro
Preparatory Exercises / Connecting and/or Preparatory Steps / Small Allegro Steps / Medium-Size Allegro Steps / More Medium-Size Steps / Large Allegro Steps / Turning Steps / Steps of Elevation That Also Turn / Steps of Elevation That Always Turn / Steps with Beats / Brises / Cabrioles

5. Elements of Artistry
Attributes of Movements / Rhythm / Shape / Space / Dynamics / Finding the Push/Sustaining the Image / Movement Economy / Embellishment of Movement / Three-Dimensional Image / Neglected Basics / Dancing on Point / Elementary Exercises / Using the Eyes

6. Learning from History
A New Look at an Old Barre / Center Exercises from the Past / Allegro from the Past

Epilogue