Ballet: The Definitive Illustrated Story

by DK, Viviana Durante (Foreword by)

Overview

Uncover the most mesmerizing moments in ballet history with this scintillating visual guide.

Written with ballet legend Viviana Durante, this book will introduce you to the most famous performers and enthrall you with fascinating stories.

Discover more than 70 celebrated dances, from The Nutcracker and Swan Lake to The Rite of Spring. Learn about renowned companies such as The Royal Ballet and the Bolshoi Ballet. Explore the lives of ballet dancers across the centuries, such as Margot Fonteyn, Carlos Acosta, and Darcey Bussell, and meet composers and choreographers, including the likes of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Matthew Bourne.

Tracing the history of ballet all the way from its origins at court and the first institutes to the contemporary scene, this comprehensive yet accessible volume offers an unrivaled overview of this dance form.

Rarely seen photographs covering key figures, pieces, and performances, alongside compelling facts about each dance - the sources they draw from, their production history, and their reception over time - make for a sumptuous visual treat and an essential gift for all dance and ballet enthusiasts.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781465474780
Publisher:	DK
Publication date:	09/04/2018
Pages:	360
Sales rank:	200,097
Product dimensions:	10.20(w) x 11.90(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

DK was founded in London in 1974 and is now the world's leading illustrated reference publisher and part of Penguin Random House, formed on July 1, 2013. DK publishes highly visual, photographic nonfiction for adults and children. DK produces content for consumers in over 87 countries and in 62 languages, with offices in Delhi, London, Melbourne, Munich, New York, and Toronto. DK's aim is to inform, enrich, and entertain readers of all ages, and everything DK publishes, whether print or digital, embodies the unique DK design approach. DK brings unrivalled clarity to a wide range of topics with a unique combination of words and pictures, put together to spectacular effect. We have a reputation for innovation in design for both print and digital products.   Our adult range spans travel, including the award-winning DK Eyewitness Travel Guides, history, science, nature, sport, gardening, cookery, and parenting. DK’s extensive children’s list showcases a fantastic store of information for children, toddlers, and babies. DK covers everything from animals and the human body, to homework help and craft activities, together with an impressive list of licensing titles, including the bestselling LEGO® books. DK acts as the parent company for Alpha Books, publisher of the Idiot's Guides series and Prima Games, video gaming publishers, as well as the award-winning travel publisher, Rough Guides.

Editorial Reviews

10/01/2018
Divided by era, this beautiful coffee-table book chronicles the history of ballet. Colorful photographs and illustrations are complemented by historical and biographical information. Readers will learn about themes (romantic, classical, modern), major figures such as Anna Pavlova, well-known venues, and lighting and costume. The work also offers plot synopses of famous ballets including The Nutcracker and Giselle, along with time lines, and explores celebrated companies and dances (the pas de deux). Consultant Durante, a former ballerina, provides the foreword. The two sections that close the volume, "Other Key Figures" and "Other Key Ballets," highlight people who didn't receive a full profile earlier (Alvin Ailey, Misty Copeland, Twyla Tharp), although the Ailey piece Revelations and Tharp's Push Comes To Shove are examined. Contemporary choreographers such as Christopher Wheeldon and Jiri Kylian are detailed, too. VERDICT A visual treat for ballet lovers. Circulate this engaging read rather than keep it in reference; it will spark interest among teens as well.—Barbara Kundanis, Longmont P.L., CO

Library Journal

11/01/2018

Gr 6 Up—DK presents the story of ballet from its beginnings in 1550 to today. The straightforward text is lengthy but never dense. Though the language is intended for older readers, a wide range of ballet enthusiasts will enjoy poring over full-page illustrations and photographs that are accompanied by concise, informative captions. The well-organized volume moves through ballet chronologically. Each time period is broken down into short segments focusing on famous dancers and choreographers, well-known ballets and choreography, theaters, and styles of dance. VERDICT A solid purchase for most reference collections.—Kat Paiva, Rye Public Library, NH

School Library Journal