The Visual Dictionary of Ballet for Children

Gr 4 Up—As a piano accompaniment plays Puccini's aria "O Mio Babbino Caro" in the background, young ballerinas demonstrate terms, positions, and body movements with precision, grace, and uncanny self-control. Teacher Rosemary Boross narrates and introduces each of the basic movements of the head, feet, and arms. Divided into four chapters on two discs, this visual dictionary for beginners starts with the movements, then details barre work and center work, including one complete ballet class, which incorporates the previously explained basics. Individuals and small groups are pictured, with progression shown from the first to secondary level. Young students from the Ballet Pacifica Conservatory show how ballet builds from the five fundamental positions to a well-executed pas de cheval en avant. While no boys are pictured, girls will get excellent instruction and even inspiration from this comprehensive, well-crafted DVD.—Lonna Pierce, MacArthur & Thomas Jefferson Elementary Schools, Binghamton, NY