The Ballet Companion is a fresh, comprehensive, and thoroughly up-to-date reference book designed for today's dancer. Featuring 150 stunning photographs of ballet stars Maria Riccetto and Benjamin Millepied demonstrating perfect execution of positions and steps, this elegant volume brims with essential resources for the modern dance student, including:

• Practical Advice: Tips on selecting a ballet school, making the most of classes, and adhering to studio etiquette.
• Ballet Fundamentals: Clear explanations of core ballet principles and major training systems.
• Illustrated Class Guide: Step-by-step guidance through a typical ballet class, covering warm-up, barre, and center floor exercises.
• Health and Safety: Guidelines for maintaining a healthy lifestyle through a sensible diet, injury prevention, and cross-training with yoga and Pilates.
• Cultural Enrichment: Descriptions of must-see ballets, plus glossaries of dance, music, and theater terms.

Throughout the book, you'll find technique secrets from stars of the American Ballet Theatre, richly illustrated sidebars on ballet history, and practical tips on everything from styling a ballet bun to applying stage makeup to mastering the perfect pirouette.

Whether you're a budding ballerina, a serious student, or an adult returning to ballet, The Ballet Companion offers a lively mix of ballet's traditions and essential new information.