Retellings of ten of the most loved stories from the ballet.

Relates the stories of ten ballets including works by Tchaikovsky, Delibes, Adam, Prokofiev, and Stravinsky.

Everyone's favorite ballets in story form: The Nutcracker, Giselle, The Firebird, Swan Lake, and others.

Children love to listen to stories. Now their favorite Dorling Kindersley childrenOtilde;s books are available in convenient book-and-tape packages that are perfect for the car or anywhere. With more than 60 minutes of audio on each tape, these packages will be favorites of children and parents alike. The Illustrated Book of Ballet Stories features narration by Darcey Bussell, principal dancer with LondonOtilde;s Royal Ballet, with musical selections from each ballet. Also Available with CD. The Illustrated Book of Ballet Stories features narration by Darcey Bussell, principal dancer with LondonOtilde;s Royal Ballet, with musical selections from each ballet. Also Available with CD.

This selection covers all aspects of a ballet dancer's life from the trauma of auditions through the agonies of training and rehearsals to the glory of live performance - against a backdrop of friendship, rivalry, disappointment and success.

“A beautiful guide. . . . The richly detailed watercolor illustrations . . . evoke the mood and atmosphere of each ballet.”—Prima Ballerina Jane Rosenberg’s delightful retellings for children of the greatest ballets—whether the tales are read as introductions to a ballet or to relive a production already seen, art and text combine to give a clear understanding of plot, scene, and character. Young children in particular will enjoy reading the stories—or having them read—both as lovely fairy tales and to help them share in the magic of a real dramatic performance. Here are the romantic arabesques of Giselle and the classical attitudes of The Sleeping Beauty. Sets, costumes, and lighting are re-created to give the true flavor of authentic productions and to approximate, as fully as possible, the experience of attending the ballet oneself.