Beginning Ballet and the accompanying web resource introduce students to the study of ballet as a performing art and provide instructional support in learning foundational ballet technique. Part of Human Kinetics’ Interactive Dance Series, Beginning Ballet is for students enrolled in a beginning ballet class at the college, university, or high school level.
The book features more than 80 photos and concise descriptions covering basic foot and arm positions, barre exercises, and centre combinations. Beginning Ballet introduces students to the structure of a ballet class, including expectations, etiquette, and attire. Students also learn how to prepare for class, maintain proper nutrition and hydration, and avoid injury.
Chapter 1. Introduction to Ballet
Chapter 2. Preparing for Class
Chapter 3. Safety and Health
Chapter 4. Learning and Performing Ballet Technique
Chapter 5. Basics of Ballet Technique
Chapter 6. At the Barre
Chapter 7. In the Center
Chapter 8. History of Ballet
Gayle Kassing, PhD, taught beginning ballet through advanced ballet for more than 25 years at four universities. Kassing earned a BFA in ballet and theater, an MS in modern dance, a PhD in dance and related arts, and an MAT in K-12 curriculum integrated with technology. She was the 2010 National Dance Association (NDA) Artist Scholar. She is a member of the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO). She is the author of History of Dance and coauthor of Teaching Beginning Ballet Technique. Kassing is an acquisitions editor at Human Kinetics.