The Ballet Companion

A New Classic for Today’s Dancer The Ballet Companion is a fresh, comprehensive, and thoroughly up-to-date reference book for the dancer. With 150 stunning photographs of ballet stars Maria Riccetto and Benjamin Millepied demonstrating perfect execution of positions and steps, this elegant volume brims with everything today’s dance student needs, including:

Practical advice for getting started, such as selecting a school, making the most of class, and studio etiquette

Explanations of ballet fundamentals and major training systems

An illustrated guide through ballet class — warm-up, barre, and center floor

Guidelines for safe, healthy dancing through a sensible diet, injury prevention, and cross-training with yoga and Pilates

Descriptions of must-see ballets and glossaries of dance, music, and theater terms

Along the way you’ll find technique secrets from stars of American Ballet Theatre, lavishly illustrated sidebars on ballet history, and tips on everything from styling a ballet bun to stage makeup to performing the perfect pirouette. Whether a budding ballerina, serious student, or adult returning to ballet, dancers will find a lively mix of ballet’s time-honored traditions and essential new information.

Author Biography

Eliza Gaynor Minden is the President of Gaynor Minden, the dancewear company. She is known as the “new face of dancewear” for her commitment—spread through her company’s ad campaign—to helping dancers stay healthy and respect their bodies.