4 out of 5 stars ONLY because I'm not in a ballet class. This book sure makes me wish I were, though.

I am beginning barre work (at home) and the photos in here are great. I really love the tips on what to watch for when you're doing the steps (very helpful for doing it on your own).

There's a little bit of everything ballet in here - practical guides for dancers, lots of histories (how ballet started, the different schools, companies), some mini-bios and an extremely helpful glossary.

AHH! So great for the dancer! Whether you're a pro or a beginner this book gives tips and advice that helps us all!

As I dancer I have found this book an invaluable reference source. Ballet would be so much harder without it.

It is an okay book with many general information.

A wonderful book with a healthy approach to learning the pure joy of ballet!

Oh, I love the ballet. Thank you, Peter, for getting me this lovely book.

It's not as fantastic as the other ballet book I was given, but this is still gorgeous. The pictures are wonderful and glossy. This book focuses more on the structure of a ballet class, and things to keep an eye out for. It's great for youths, I think, who take ballet. It's wonderful, though, for people like myself who love ballet and want to soak in everything they can when not in class.

Great book for anyone who is interested in ballet.

loved this book. it taught me a lot

I devoured this book. This was purchased for me by my extremely thoughtful boyfriend as a birthday gift after I signed up for adult beginner ballet lessons. I had done a little research on ballet beforehand, mostly to prepare myself for classes, but this book took things to a whole new level. It's written for the uninitiated (such as myself) and is extremely comprehensive. Historical bits are spread out around the book and give both a progression of the art form as well as the juicy interesting bits of history that I personally love. This book is primarily written for those who are or will be dancing. Terms and positions are explained, and every facet of life as a dancer (class, auditions, nutrition, health) is touched upon. The author's tone is immediately trustworthy and likable. When topics are controversial, it's described in enough detail that it's understood but not boring. There's an underlying excitement for ballet and every aspect of it that comes out in both the writing style as well as the topics covered. The author is at once a charming historian, a trustworthy source of health advice, and that cool slightly older ballet friend that I always wanted. The book can be read as-needed ("What's pilates?" "When was the first ballet?" "Why does my ankle hurt?") or, as I did, cover to cover. I know I'll be returning to this book as my skills develop and I want to review positions or seek advice for more advanced topics. Brava!