Beginning Ballet

Gayle Kassing, PhD, taught beginning ballet through advanced ballet for more than 25 years at four universities. Kassing earned a BFA in ballet and theater, an MS in modern dance, a PhD in dance and related arts, and an MAT in K-12 curriculum integrated with technology. She was the 2010 National Dance Association (NDA) Artist Scholar. She is a member of the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO). She is the author of History of Dance and coauthor of Teaching Beginning Ballet Technique. Kassing is an acquisitions editor at Human Kinetics.

Chapter 1. Introduction to Ballet Benefits of Studying Ballet Ballet in Academic Settings Ballet in Community Settings Basics of Ballet Class Expectations and Etiquette for Students Structure of Ballet Class Challenges of Learning and Performing Ballet Summary Chapter 2. Preparing for Class Dressing for Class Foot Care and Personal Hygiene Carrying Dance Gear Selecting and Fitting Ballet Slippers Preparing Yourself Mentally and Physically Summary Chapter 3. Safety and Health Studio Safety Personal Safety Basic Anatomy and Kinesiology Preventing and Treating Common Dance Injuries Understanding Dance Fitness Nutrition, Hydration, and Rest Summary Chapter 4. Learning and Performing Ballet Technique Languages of Ballet Learning Ballet Movements Learning Ballet Technique Understanding Musicality Understanding Artistry Applying Aesthetic Principles to Ballet Preparing for Class Performance Testing Summary Chapter 5. Basics of Ballet Technique Positions of the Feet Positions of the Arms and Port de Bras Movement Principles for Ballet Directions of the Body Directions of the Feet Types of Barre Combinations Types of Center Combinations Summary Chapter 6. At the Barre Standing at the Barre Pre-Barre Exercises Barre Exercises Summary Chapter 7. In the Center Rules and Protocols Center Barre Port de Bras Adagio Introduction and Transition Steps Allegro Reverence Summary Chapter 8. History of Ballet Beginnings of Ballet Ballet Moves From the Court to the Theater A Century of Contrast: Romanticism to Classicism Ballet in the United States Before 1900 Ballet in the Twentieth Century International Perspectives in the Twentieth Century Viewing Ballet Performances Distinguishing Types and Styles of Ballet Summary