Review by Booklist Review
Capturing the ethereal art of ballet in words and pictures is a daunting task: its essence lies in the moment and the movement. This sumptuous, large-format book rises to the challenge en pointe. From the exquisite black-and-white studio portrait of Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev on the flyleaves to the striking color photographs throughout that fairly leap off the page, image after image stops time and thrills nearly as much as a live performance. A team of dancers and dance writers, headed by Viviana Durante, formerly a principal dancer with the Royal Ballet, traces the history of ballet from its beginnings, in the royal court of France, to the Romantic ballets of the nineteenth century and the classical ballets at the turn of the century and into the early twentieth century to the origins of modern dance, mid-twentieth-century classics, and ballet today. Capsule biographies, time lines, and quotations from dance luminaries enhance the text, and a glossary defines ballet terms. An elegant treatment of a sublime art form with gorgeous photographs sure to make balletomanes swoon with delight.--Carolyn Mulac Copyright 2018 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
Divided by era, this beautiful coffee-table book chronicles the history of ballet. Colorful photographs and illustrations are complemented by historical and biographical information. Readers will learn about themes (romantic, classical, modern), major figures such as Anna Pavlova, well-known venues, and lighting and costume. The work also offers plot synopses of famous ballets including The Nutcracker and Giselle, along with time lines, and explores celebrated companies and dances (the pas de deux). Consultant Durante, a former ballerina, provides the foreword. The two sections that close the volume, "Other Key Figures" and "Other Key Ballets," highlight people who didn't receive a full profile earlier (Alvin Ailey, Misty Copeland, Twyla Tharp), although the Ailey piece Revelations and Tharp's Push Comes To Shove are examined. Contemporary choreographers such as Christopher Wheeldon and Jiri Kylian are detailed, too. VERDICT A visual treat for ballet lovers. Circulate this engaging read rather than keep it in reference; it will spark interest among teens as well.-Barbara Kundanis, Longmont P.L., CO © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 6 Up-DK presents the story of ballet from its beginnings in 1550 to today. The straightforward text is lengthy but never dense. Though the language is intended for older readers, a wide range of ballet enthusiasts will enjoy poring over full-page illustrations and photographs that are accompanied by concise, informative captions. The well-organized volume moves through ballet chronologically. Each time period is broken down into short segments focusing on famous dancers and choreographers, well-known ballets and choreography, theaters, and styles of dance. VERDICT A solid purchase for most reference collections.-Kat Paiva, Rye Public Library, NH © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
