Getting Started in Ballet: A Parent's Guide to Dance Education / Edition 1

by Anna Paskevska

Overview

Many children dream of being dancers. But how do parents know how and when to get them started? Here professional dancer Anna Paskevska gives valuable advice on all aspects of dance education, including how to select the right teacher and school, progression of training, descriptions of training methods, avoiding injuries, and much more. Appendix lists performing arts schools and dance programs throughout the U.S. Photos.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780195117172
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	12/18/1997
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	4.90(w) x 7.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Anna Paskevska's extensive legacy spans from dancing professionally with the Royal Ballet and Western Ballet Theatre to acting as Chair of the Dance Department at the Chicago Academy for the Arts. Former student of Paskevska, Maureen Janson is a nationally noted choreographer and dance and movement specialist based in Madison, WI.

Table of Contents

	Preface	ix
	Foreword	xi
	Introduction	xiii
1	Why Dance?	3
2	Dance Training	17
3	How to Select a Teacher and School	35
4	Progression of Training	53
5	What to Wear	65
6	Parent and Teacher Relations	75
7	Recitals, Demonstrations, and Concerts	85
8	Avoiding Injuries	95
9	Diet and Eating Disorders	107
10	Entering the Profession	117
11	Beyond Secondary Education and a Dancing Career	127
12	Parenting the Dancer	139
	Appendix	145
	Selected Bibliography	155
	Index	159

Editorial Reviews

"Although classical traditions are its primary focus, Getting Started in Ballet includes a generous amount of information about adjacent techniques within contemporary, modern, and jazz dance, providing useful context for parents in the process of determining the best path into dance training for their children. Janson's second edition retains the expertise garnered by Paskevska in Europe, while addressing the expanded roles of fitness and technology in dance pedagogy today. Clearly and frankly written, Getting Started suits novices as a primer just as well as it refreshes the basics for lifelong practitioners."—Zachary Whittenburg, contributor to Dance Magazine and member of the Chicago Dancemakers Forum

"Getting Started in Ballet is not just a guide to the beginning, but a comprehensive guide to a life in the world of classical ballet. Describing life for a prospective dancer from her first pre-ballet classes to college, professional careers and dance-related fields, it illuminates the dancer's paths through classical training, higher education, career options, pitfalls and joys. It is overflowing with well-researched, up-to-date information for parents and prospective students, as well as anecdotes from a fascinating personal history in ballet."—Emily Stein, Dance Educator

"The second edition of anna Paskevska's Getting Started in Ballet: A Parent's Guide to Dance Education, revised by Maureen Janson, is an invaluable resource for parents, teachers, and studio owners. Janson has updated and expanded the first edition from 1997 to address changes in technology, conditioning practices, and secondary education and infuse these new ideas into Paskevska's original text ... This highly detailed, yet easy-to-read book will guide dancers, parents, and teachers through the complex path of dance education and career preparation. The authors offer expert advice on best practices for dance training and parental support at all levels."—Journal of Dance Education

From the Publisher