The Language Of Ballet

Presents definitions of common ballet terms, providing phonetic pronunciation of foreign words, brief biographies of several dancers, and over 100 drawings that show how to execute movements.

From adagio to voyage, over 800 steps, movements, poses, and concepts are fully defined. A pronunciation guide and cross-references to alternate names for similar steps and positions also included.

Clearly worded, abundantly illustrated little guide defines basic ballet-related terms: arabesque, battement, pas de chat, relevé, sissonne, many others. Pronunciation guide included. Excellent primer.

Briefly traces the history of ballet, describes the steps and movements, and explains the difficulties and problems dancers encounter, the exercise and training they need, and the procedures involved in preparing for and performing in a stage production.

In this work, begun during the German occupation, the eminent French poet and philosopher began to turn away from the small, perfect poem toward a much more open form, a kind of prose poem that recounted its own process of coming into being along with the final result.

Wherever ballet is taught in the world, and in whatever language, it retains one common denominator: the technical terms used are in French. This dictionary aims to prevent confusion by explaining the precise meanings of over 560 of the French technical terms used in classical ballet.

In Pardon My French-It's the Language of Ballet, dance student Lilly Nilly's self-appointed mission is to figure out what the heck ballet-and coincidentally life-are all about and share this insight with other kids.