Ballet Practice and History An Introduction

Ballet Practice and History is a complete, inclusive resource on ballet training and history for the beginning teen-adult reader. Unique in its balanced discussion of technique and history, this book guides readers through an accessible methodology of training while also presenting ballet's historical development through a culturally inclusive lens. Part One presents a progression of study guiding the reader through a series of eight scaffolded lessons, including terminology, descriptions, learning guides and lessons. Methods of learning ballet are presented in a healthy and anatomically sound approach for diverse audiences. Each chapter has a dedicated ballet class to reinforce terminology and concepts, available as a video lesson for readers to follow. Part Two presents a global survey of ballet's historical development expanding on the traditional European context to include histories in Mexico, Cuba, South America, South Africa and East-Asia. It also discusses cultural issues associated with ballet, including race, gender, sexuality, and cultural representation, allowing readers to understand ballet's role in contemporary society. Ballet Practice and History is a comprehensive look at ballet for the general enthusiast or for readers looking to deepen their knowledge of the art form, and a resource for students in higher education, studying at a private studio, or independently.

Lorin Johnson is a Professor in the Department of Dance at California State University, Long Beach. A former professional dancer with the American Ballet Theatre, he has taught ballet in conservatories and higher education for thirty years. Johnson has an MA in Slavic Languages and Literatures from the University of Southern California. He lives with his wife, Lisa, in Lakewood, California.

Foreword by Misty CopelandIntroductionPart I. Ballet Practice1. Getting Started in Ballet Class2. Foundations of Posture and Turnout3. How to Work at Barre4. How to Work in the Center5. Moving across the Floor6. Learning to Pirouette7. Allegro and Stretching8. Artistry in Ballet Class9. Looking ForwardPart II. Ballet History10. European Court Culture (1400s-1600s)11. European Neo-Classicism (1700s)12. European Romanticism (1800s)13. Re-imagined in Russia (Late-1800s)14. Modernism in Russia and Europe (1900s-1950s)15. The United States (1800s-1950s)16. Ballet's Global Journey (1900s-1950s)17. Blurred Lines (1950s-2000s)Glossary of Cecchetti and Vaganova PositionsGlossary of Ballet Terms