Pas de Deux : The Art of Partnering

Few dancers are more qualified to advise on partnering than Anton Dolin, whose performances with Alicia Markova achieved legendary status. His book has, in turn, become a classic of ballet literature—an essential guide for dancers and teachers, and an eye-opening trip behind the scenes for balletomanes. Its practical advice for both ballerinas and partners begins with such basics as standing, walking, and taking bows, and it fully covers such topics as bearing and attitude, lifting without visible strain, and proper positioning of the hands. In addition, complete exercises introduce the pas de deux, including step-by-step presentations on adagios from the classical repertory, including Swan Lake, Giselle, and The Nutcracker. 29 black-and-white illustrations.