Advanced Principles in Teaching Classical Ballet » (New Edition)

John White, former soloist and ballet master of the Ballet Nacional de Cuba and interim ballet master of the Pennsylvania Ballet Company, is codirector of the Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet. He has been conducting seminars for dance teachers for nearly thirty years. A contributing editor and writer for Ballet Dancer Magazine, he is the author of Teaching Classical Ballet.

Designed for teachers, company directors, and advanced dancers, this instructive guide explores the importance of disciplined dancing, choreography, acting, conditioning, and performance. Staying true to the Russian Academy of Ballet (St. Petersburg) pedagogy he has taught for forty years, White's writing style is as straightforward as his unyielding insistence on excellence.

Ch. 1 The Teacher's Role in Classical Dance 8

Ch. 2 What Makes a Good Ballet Teacher? 17

Ch. 3 Teachers and Master Teachers 22

Ch. 4 The Application of Rules 30

Ch. 5 Recommended Lesson Format for Intermediate Levels and Above 34

Ch. 6 Learning Process 46

Ch. 7 The Basic Stance 51

Ch. 8 Balance Imperatives 57

Ch. 9 Jumping Imperatives 61

Ch. 10 Turning Imperatives 72

Ch. 11 The Poses of Classical Ballet 81

Ch. 12 Advice to Students 85

Ch. 13 General Instructions to Pupils 89

Ch. 14 Practice Makes Perfect 93

Ch. 15 Discipline 96

Ch. 16 The Mind 100

Ch. 17 Music and Musicality 105

Ch. 18 Sprain or Strain? 111

Ch. 19 Partnering Principles 115

Ch. 20 Introduction to Pantomime for Dancers 127

Ch. 21 Which Is More Important, Learning or Self-Esteem? 135

Ch. 22 Geido (Artistic Ways) 138

Ch. 23 Choreography's Role in Classical Ballet 141

Ch. 24 What Is Wrong with Ballet in America? 151

Ch. 25 Ballet Camp 157

Ch. 26 The Legacy of Agrippina Vaganova and Her Influence on Russian Ballet 161

App Bits and Pieces 171

"Procrastination," A. Sage Sage, A. 185

Suggested Reading 187