The Joffrey Ballet School's Book of Ballet-Fit

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.

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.

A must for any ballet loving adult-especially, like me, who at 40+ had never taken ballet but always wanted to. This book was exactly what I needed to get me started and keep me going. I couldn't believe it-this book explains exactly to a newcomer in ballet what classes are like, what the ballet "lingo" is, and makes you very comfortable with the idea of starting ballet at any age. After a year of ballet classes, I can also say everything is the book is exactly what actual classes are like. If you think you are too "old" to learn ballet, read this book and think again!

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!

I have the good fortune to be able to attend the adult classes at the Joffrey Ballet School and can first hand emphatically recommend this book. The descriptions of all the excercises are excellent complements to attendance at regular classes anywhere-any level. For the complete newcomer, this book provides valuable information about things you need to know but that schools/studios may not necessarily tell you outright. It's truly an inspirational book that gives you the confidence to pursue something that most people don't start as adults. I only wish this book existed when I told myself that 16 was too old. I'm glad age didn't stop me again from starting formal classes at 28.