Ballerina: A Step-by-Step Guide to Ballet Hardcover – 10 Jan. 2008

I bought this book for a couple of reasons:I had bought a ballet fitness dvd. The dvd is wonderful, BUT...The instructor kept saying, "Now go to position 3, now position 1," etc...I have never done ballet in my life, so I had no idea what the instructor was talking about. And I couldn't figure out how to stand exactly. The instructor just assumes anyone watching the dvd knows this basic stuff. Also, it isn't clear from watching her just how your feet are supposed to be.I have found this book absolutely invaluable. Yes, it is geared toward little girls. But if you ignore that, you learn some fascinating insights into the ballet world. AND, I have learned the positions too!(FYI, I am, ahem, in my late forties, eeeek!!)

Perfect ballet book for me and my daughter. It's very easy to read and follow. Also it has many pictures with explanation. All the pictures are so beautiful too. I brought this book as 2nd hand but it's a perfect condition. I'm very happy for this order.

As an adult going back into ballet, I needed a starter guide towards the steps and positions. This book is a good guide for this exact reason, it is aimed towards children so does have cutesy little diagrams and notes, but is still absolutely applicable for adults. It gives good pointers on posture, what to wear, tips and tricks and also just a general guide on the positions and names of ballet moves. It also comes with a DVD guide, which it am yet to play - but a good little gesture

However there was No dvd inside.. But the Book is very good! & I was refunded for the none dvd...Thank you!.

A good introductory book for a young girl setting out in ballet - or for an older girl like me revisiting and taking it up again alongside yoga. The instructions are clear; the DVD is a bonus and I can use the book & DVD equally for home practice. I wish there were boys and men included as well, though. Male ballet dancers - boys and men - are essential for ballet to be a complete language, and their dancing can be mesmerising. If I were making a new edition of this I'd limit the pink and frills, update the costumes and add some beautiful male dancers too.

A great book! It covers the basics which is perfect for me and my daughter who are newbies to the world of ballet... The dvd that comes with was an added bonus, very good instructional dance workout that is easy to follow. Great for beginners/kids learning ballet.

I ordered this for my 7 year old who has started ballet it is really great, the DVD is very helpful and my daughter loves to watch it as it shows young ballerinas dancing and practising postures, And as a mum that doesn't know much about ballet the book was very helpful and is full of information. Over all a great buy.

Might be good for a child but I wouldn't recommend it for adults starting ballet. Of course it seems to be aimed at kids but as it goes through some basics some adults starting out might be drawn to it.