Ballet

If I had to recommend just one book to a vocational dance student, it would be Ballet: The Essential Guide to Technique and Creative Practice. In ten chapters, each written by an expert, the book covers the full range of material of which anyone embarking on a career in ballet needs understanding and awareness. Authoritative and clearly laid out, the book is extremely attractive, with lovely pictures, many in colour. This book will empower dance students, enabling them to make informed decisions as they take responsibility for their own development as artists and in doing so, they will ensure that ballet continues to ‘happen’. -- Maggie Watson * Oxford Dance Writers *
It's an inclusive and comprehensive guide to the profession and very much of the moment... I would describe it as a 'ballet bible'. What comes across is the need to find the right path for each individual student, dancer or choreographer, and the absolute requirement for versatility, but, above all, an ability to listen and absorb. A very worthwhile read. -- Deborah Weiss * Dancing Times *
There are a lot of books that cover the technical aspects of ballet, however Jackson’s book directs the reader through ways that they can develop and deepen their practice even further by highlighting the importance of individuality, versatility, performance and a contextual knowledge. This book would be the most helpful for pre-professional/professional ballet dancers and ballet teachers but could also be helpful as a reference for any dancer due to the large variety of topics covered. -- Rebecca Runchman * One Dance *