The Joffrey Ballet School's Ballet-Fit

Rating:
Summary: Not what I thought it would be
Review: I bought this book, expecting to find a good ballet exercise guide. Instead, the ballet fit was not a very big part of the book. Most of the books contents consisted of what to expect if you start an adult ballet class, faq, information, and thoughts of various kinds. Since I live in a place where I can't take adult classes (I don't think they even have them in Norway at all), this was not very much use. The book also had too many references to the joffrey ballet school. It felt like they vere trying to talk me into starting there, and that's not what I was after.

This is a very handy book if you're considering taking up adult classes, or if you are taking adult classes. But if you want a ballet-fit book, this ones not for you (though you might think so from the title)

Rating:
Summary: Ballet reality for Adults
Review: I recently started an adult beginning ballet class with no dance experience whatsoever. (I have done sports and aerobics.) I bought this book as a beginner-level reference, and it has been very helpful. It was right-on in terms of what to wear and what to expect. It does a good job of trying to answer every beginner-type question and allay every worry that might crop up. The book also covers ballet etiquette and culture (slightly preachy at times). I go back to it after class to get more details about what was done or said during class eg what exactly did she mean by 'attitude' and what did she mean when she said her leg was 'sickling'?. The book also offers useful tips. To top it off, the photographs are very nice, and the layout and type are easy on the eyes. In sum, helpful, and a pleasure to read and look at.

Rating:
Summary: Honest look at becoming an adult ballerina
Review: I thought that wanting to take ballet lessons at my age put me in a very small minority. But this book proved me wrong and also managed to put aside any concerns that I would have in doing so. First, this book makes the adult "wanna-be" ballerina realize that it in not a pipe dream to dance ballet. It answers almost every concern anyone could come up with and encourages you every step of the way. From what to wear to class, where to take class and what to expect once you've started. In addition to that, it defines those sometimes mystifying French terms used in dance, as well as showing you how to do them. One other great thing is a directory of schools that offer adult classes. But what I liked best is that this book gives no illusions. It doesn't promise that you will be dancing point for the New York City Ballet or that your technique will be perfect. It's honest, which is what makes it the most helpful. If you ever thought of dancing ballet but think "yeah right", read this book. It can only help.

Rating:
Summary: This is a fantastic book
Review: This book is excellent. (The reviewer who wrote about the poorly chosen binding has a good point, but still...) It's been invaluable to me starting out. I recommend it to everyone. Things you need to know, and things you don't yet realize you need to know. It's thorough, well-written, complete, invaluable!

Rating:
Summary: Reuniting with my first love
Review: This book is excellent. As a child I dreamed of becoming a ballerina. I had the opportunity to take classes as a per-teen, but as I got older I found that life was getting in the way of my dream. Now I am 26 and have two small children. I try to find the time to fit an adult ballet class in to my busy schedule. The Joffrey Ballet School's Ballet-Fit book helps by using ballet as a way to get fit and maintain a healthy body. It goes through the basic ballet moves and helps with the correct positioning of the body. And it has a wonderful work out to follow on the days that the classes are not offered. I am not going to become the ballerina of my derams, but I know I can fell like one.

Rating:
Summary: Exellent introduction for the adult novice
Review: This book is written for female and male adults who have never danced ballet but would like to learn it without professional ambitions. It describes a typical ballet class and physical requirements, it addresses concerns adults may have such as fear of ridicule, prior sports injuries, costs and outfits involved, use of French terminology, etc. It also shows that ballet is not only for the fit 25-year-old woman, but equally beneficial to a 50-year-old. And, that many men practice it, too. The authors mention that Vince Lombardi, the "very macho" coach of the legendary Green Bay Packers, had his players take ballet for coordination, discipline, and endurance.

In addition to dance theory, the book explains dance terminology in words and clear photographs, it also shows ballet exercises that will prepare you for the class.

The book is realistic, encouraging and a great preparation before you sign up for a class. Finding a ballet school in your area that teaches adults, of course, is another matter, unless you live in a big city. But the book does list many schools all over the United States that accept adults.

Rating:
Summary: Ballet reality for Adults
Review: This book takes the time to go over everything you wanted to know about taking an adult ballet class without bias. It shares the reality of beggining ballet from the 20's to the 90's. It describes in detail the routine many classes follow. I found some of the ballet terms hard to say since there all in French. I loved how everything is covered incuding danceware, shoes, and the realities of an adult women going (en point) or toe shoes to the everyday person. After reading this I really do feel, no matter your size or flexability, that any adult ( including males) can without fear enter a dance stuido or school for themselves and give ballet a try. Ballet Fit is a wonderful book . It also gave me a better understanding of what my daughter goes through when she takes a ballet class. Now I know I can do it too!

Rating:
Summary: Ballet Fit
Review: This is the book one needs to read in order to dispel all rumors, fears, etc. about taking up ballet at an advanced age (from 21 on, in my opinion). I'm 37 and finally had the courage to sign up for lessons. Had it not been for this book, I would have passed up on the chance to try ballet for myself. The point is, if one doesn't take up weightlifting with an Olympic medal in mind, one certainly does not take up ballet with a professional career in mind, although the benefits of regularly scheduled ballet lessons are evident. One word of caution: do not expect your classmates to be as attractive as those on this book's photographs. But, then again, you will hardly notice since ballet does require discipline and concentration. Enough said: order this book!