Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #529085 in Books
• Published on: 2006-03
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 1.08" h x 7.78" w x 9.86" l, 2.69 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 426 pages

From Amazon.com
George Balanchine, world-renowned choreographer and founder of the New York City Ballet, made a tremendous impact on the history of American dance by ushering in the era of neoclassical ballet defined by spartan costumes, technical wizardry, and a new musicality. No less important was his immense impact on generations of his dancers. Mr. B demanded an incredible commitment from his dancers, both physically and personally. Many became lifelong devotees with a continuing commitment to his ideas even after his death in 1983. Suki Schorer has dedicated her life to Mr. B's method of dancing. A former ballerina with the NYCB and currently a teacher of advanced students at the School of American Ballet, the official school of the NYCB, Schorer lives, breathes, and sleeps Balanchine's teachings. Balanchine dancers are instantly recognizable, as their technique differs rather significantly from that of other schools. With a teaching style that is her own (she is known for her unrelenting enthusiasm), Schorer translates what she learned from Mr. B for her students and readers of this book. In this technical manual aimed at advanced students and their teachers, Schorer peppers the ballet instruction with stories and anecdotes of her experiences with the great choreographer. The 415 pages and 700 black-and-white photographs of five NYCB dancers demonstrating the ballet instruction are a real testament to how much one has to learn before donning a black leotard and pink tights and dancing to Stravinsky. --J.P. Cohen

From Library Journal
Since the court dances of 16th-century Europe, ballet's traditions and techniques have been passed on from ballet master to dancer. The inimitable "Mr. B" (George Balanchine) was our century's most elegant ballet master. His legacy includes a company (New York City Ballet), a school (School of American Ballet), and 425 works; Schorer, a member of NYCB from 1959 to 1972, danced and taught for Mr. B. Based on recollections of his teaching and on her experiences as a teacher, the book details work at the barre, work with the upper body, pointe work, jumps, and the art of partnering. An extended essay titled "From the Studio to the Stage" offers personal reflections on dancing. The text is enhanced by Rosegg's crisp photographs of current NYCB company members demonstrating techniques. Although "not a teaching manual or syllabus," this is nonetheless intended for teachers, advanced students, and professional dancers. Highly recommended for performing arts collections and wherever there are readers who know the difference between a pas de chat and a pas de cheval.ACarolyn M. Mulac, Chicago P.L.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author
Suki Schorer danced with George Balanchine's New York City Ballet from 1959 to 1972. She teaches at the School of American Ballet, the official school of the New York City Ballet.