Now on DVD! The essential video dictionary of all classical ballet movements performed by some of the greatest names in American Ballet. Teachers and students alike find the Video Dictionary of Classical Ballet the most innovative and dynamic tool ever developed for learning and studying the movements of ballet. 4 1/2 hours on two DVDs, this set includes over 800 variations in Russian, French, and Cecchetti styles. Many of the movements are shown in slow motion with multiple camera angles and voice-over narrative description. This engaging program demonstrates the complete language of ballet:Positions and Directions • Barre • Linking Steps • Center Practice • Pirouettes • Adage • Allegro • Batterie • Pointe • Musical Enchainements. For easy reference, a printed index of all the movements and variations performed is included. This comprehensive guide is demonstrated by four of the most outstanding figures in American Ballet: • Kevin McKenzie (Artistic Director of American Ballet Theatre, former principal dancer, ABT) • Georgina Parkinson (Ballet Mistress of ABT; former principal dancer, Royal Ballet) • Merrill Ashley (former principal dancer, New York City Ballet) • Denise Jackson (former principal dancer, Joffrey Ballet)

Average Customer Review: ( 18 customer reviews )
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Putting 800 examples on two tapes presents the problem of locating specific sections. This would be much better served on DVD (or perhaps CD-ROM) where chapters could be more easily accessed. I own the tapes but would find a DVD version much more useful.

23 of 24 found the following review helpful:

great for basics and more advancedApr 06, 2004

This DVD is very easy to use--well set up. The exercises are clearly labeled, and, since it is on DVD, you can just rewind to repeat the moves on the opposite leg. This is a great workout, and I feel more confident in my ballet practice in that each exercise is specifically labeled and explained. The only drawback is that each exercise is explained and practiced quickly without many reps--so, I did have to rewind each section a couple of times (which I really do not mind). OVERALL--VERY GOOD!

16 of 16 found the following review helpful:

As Good As It Will Get For A Video Dictionary.Jan 31, 2006
By J. M WILINSKY
This is an excellent reference work for the ballet student or professional. It is useful for beginners as well as professional dancers. Thank goodness it has come out on dvd. It was very difficult to use on vhs but now it is quite easy and useful. The steps and positions are demonstrated by famous first rate dancers. It is fantastically complete, but keep in mind that ballet terminology is not set in stone and is not always keeping up with modern inovations in ballet(yes, even "classical" ballet is evolving). After a while in this business you realize that a complete standard terminology is not going to happen. What we have here is everthing that you should ever need in the way of terminology and after learning most of what is shown in this dvd, you might figure out how to express something not covered here.

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