Thinking of taking up ballet for the first time as an adult? Or perhaps you're wondering if you're too old to go back to ballet? Coming back to ballet as an adult has been a rather surprising, interesting and rewarding journey for me. The author shares her journey of learning to dance ballet as an adult, which she found was different and challenging in ways very different from when she had been a child. She had to overcome challenges in flexibility and coordination, amongst other things. In this book, she gently introduces ballet to the adult beginner: how to choose the right class, what to wear and what to expect. She also shows you how to progress effectively in ballet, such as eventually going en pointe, developing artistry, taking ballet examinations and much more.

The benefits of ballet lessons for adults are examined and explained by master teacher Robert Brassel, whose international ballet career was the basis for his 2006 memoir, Always a Dancer. Drawn from his experience of teaching ballet to health club members since 1996, this book tells of the member's personal reactions to his teaching methods and the benefits they all share.

The world-renowned Joffrey Ballet School makes the art and joy of ballet available to everyone. Let Dena Simone Moss and Allison Kyle Leopold teach you everything you need to know to get in shape, beautifully sculpt your body, and truly appreciate the art of ballet. They'll let you in on all their secrets, including: -A demystifying explanation of ballet terms and positions -Tips on finding the right instructor and studio-and feeling comfortable once you're there -Hints on ballet attire-including finding, choosing, and tying pointe shoes -An exhaustive directory of where to find ballet publications, audio and videotapes, books, dance wear, schools, and studios. Perfect for the beginner and the veteran balletomane, The Joffrey Ballet School's Ballet-Fit offers an inside glimpse into the mysterious and beautiful world of ballet.

If you are thinking about taking ballet classes, have a child who is starting to dance, or want to know more about ballet, then HowExpert Guide to Ballet is for you. This book covers many things, such as: - How to find the best studio for you. - Elements to look for in classes from ages 3 to 18. - What to wear to class if you are a child or an adult dancer. - Things to bring to class in your dance bag. - How to make the perfect ballet bun. - Proper ballet etiquette. - How to behave in class, at the barre, and when dancing in the center of the room. - Warm-up exercises to do sitting and standing. - Basic feet and arm positions. - The five major methods of ballet instruction. - Advice and encouragement for adult beginners. - The history of pointe shoes. - How dancers soften or harden their pointe shoes from ripping them apart to baking them in the oven. - What dancers wear inside their pointe shoes to make them comfortable. - How to Identify “dead pointe shoes” and why they are dangerous. - The history of male dancers in ballet. - Information for parents whose sons want to take ballet classes. - What Men’s Classes and Partnering Classes are. - Featuring expert advice, tips and tricks, and stories from the barre. About the Author Lauren Dillon is a multifaceted writer who has been dancing classical ballet for over two decades. She has worked as a dance instructor for children and enjoys sharing classical ballet with others. Born and raised in Florida, Lauren was inspired to take ballet classes by her mother, who took ballet classes as an adult. Lauren earned her Bachelor of Arts in Russian & Eastern European Studies from Florida State University (FSU). After moving across the country to California, Lauren earned her Master of Arts in Museum Studies from the University of San Francisco. When she wasn’t visiting museums or working in a performing arts archive, she continued to dance at San Francisco Ballet and Alonzo King LINES Ballet. HowExpert publishes how to guides by everyday experts.

A history of the development of ballet from the origins of dance through the 20th century.

A pathbreaking social history that takes seriously the experiences of the countless everyday people who pursued recreational ballet, Ballet Class: An American History explores the growth of this now quintessential extracurricular activity as it became an integral part of American childhood across borders of gender, class, race, and sexuality.

Whether you want to participate in ballet or just watch it, the ballet experience can excite and inspire you. Ballet is among the most beautiful forms of expression ever devised: an exquisite mix of sight and sound, stunning, aesthetics, and awesome technique. Ballet For Dummies is for anyone who wants to enjoy all that the dance forms offers – as an onlooker who wants to get a leg up on the forms you're likely to see or as an exercise enthusiast who understands that the practice of ballet can help you gain: More strength Greater flexibility Better body alignment Confidence in movement Comfort through stress reduction Infinite grace – for life From covering the basics of classical ballet to sharing safe and sensible ways to try your hand (and toes) at moving through the actual dance steps, this expert reference shows you how to: Build your appreciation for ballet from the ground up. Choose the best practice space and equipment. Warm up to your leap into the movements. Locate musical options for each exercise. Look for certain lifts in a stage performance. Tell a story with gestures. Picture a day in the life of a professional ballet dancer. Identify best-loved classic and contemporary ballets. Speak the language of ballet. Today you can find a ballet company in almost every major city on earth. Many companies have their own ballet schools – some for training future professionals, and others for interested amateurs. As you fine-tune your classical ballet technique – or even if you just like to read about it – you'll become better equipped to fully appreciate the great choreography and many styles of the dance. Ballet For Dummies raises the curtain on a world of beauty, grace, poise, and possibility! P.S. If you think this book seems familiar, you’re probably right. The Dummies team updated the cover and design to give the book a fresh feel, but the content is the same as the previous release of Ballet For Dummies (9780764525681).