Popular Books
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Operation Venceremos
Based upon the author’s life growing up in California and living in Cuba
Plot
Operation Venceremos is an espionage tale about a spy that comes in from the cold after several years under cover in Castro’s communist Cuba. True experiences, much research, and insider knowledge make readers question if the book is a novel, or, in fact, a memoir.
Teaching Classical Ballet
From his experience of 40 years in ballet as a student, performer, ballet master, and dedicated teacher, John White offers this work of inspiration and step-by-step instruction on the art and craft of teaching classical dance.
About
Stressing excellence in both the creative and the practical aspects of teaching, White discusses what it means to be a “master teacher”–someone with both a deep love for dance and an appreciation for the grandeur of the human spirit.
Good art is usually uncomplicated, he says. Illustrating with 97 photographs, he presents a method of study that includes such aspects of teaching as constructive warm-up exercises, when to begin pointe shoes, the beneficial aspects of pain, and appropriate music for the classroom, as well as elements of the basic lesson. He discusses how to recognize talent and to refine and develop it. He offers guidelines for establishing and organizing a well-run studio. And he presents his personal insights into the art of classical ballet pedagogy–shaped in particular by his study with ballet masters from the Kirov and Bolshoi ballet companies and by concepts from the famous Vaganova Choreographic School in St. Petersburg.
In this book, White also argues that poor training often brings about the loss of talented students and the premature forced retirement of professional artists from unnecessary injuries. By contrast, White says, good teaching can be an exhilarating challenge and a profound joy.
Advanced Principles in Teaching Classical Ballet
Staying true to the Russian Academy of Ballet (St. Petersburg) pedagogy he has taught for forty years, Advanced Principles in Teaching Classical Ballet is a continuation of the work John White began in his first book.
About
Designed for teachers, company directors, and advanced dancers, the book explores the importance of disciplined dancing, choreography, acting, conditioning, and performance. White’s writing style is as straightforward as he is unyielding in his insistence on excellence.
White also confronts serious issues dealing with the future of classical ballet and what is needed to maintain its rightful place as an important theater art. He argues that theatergoers with high expectations deserve nothing less than masterful choreography performed by superior dancers.
Decidedly not a primer, Advanced Principles in Teaching Classical Ballet is a must-read for anyone serious about teaching and performing ballet.
