Both Sides of the Mirror: The Science and Art of Ballet (A Dance Horizons Book)

Both Sides of the Mirror starts with the premise that skeletal equilibrium promotes harmonious musculature, which in turn makes harmonious movement possible. Early training establishes neuromuscular patterns that form the foundation of later technique. If the training is sound, the young student may become a graceful dancer who is challenged to extend technical skills further and further. This second edition, published in 1992, incorporates kinesiology, biomechanics and physiology into the theories of ballet. Paskevska places the technical explanations within the spirit of the art form. The book contains material on the progression of training, which it uses to illustrate the possibilities and limitations of the body while cultivating balanced self-awareness for dance students and performing artists. Chapters include: Introduction: A Personal Statement; Physical Requirements; Posture and Placement; Progression of Training; Sequence of a Ballet Class; Barre Work; Positions; Port de Bras and Arabesques; Weight Transference and Jumps; Principles of Turning; Pointe Work; Style; Classical and Modern Dance. Includes 47 illustrations. Contents......Page 8 List of Illustrations......Page 10 Foreword......Page 12 Acknowledgements......Page 13 1 Introduction: A Personal Statement......Page 14 2 Physical Requirements......Page 22 3 Posture and Placement......Page 36 4 Progression of Training......Page 54 5 Sequence of a Ballet Class......Page 60 6 Barre Work......Page 66 7 Positions......Page 86 8 Port de Bras and Arabesques......Page 98 9 Weight Transferrence and Jumps......Page 116 10 Principles of Turning......Page 130 11 Pointe Work......Page 144 12 Style......Page 152 13 Classical and Modern Dance......Page 162 Glossary......Page 170 Selected Bibliography......Page 200 Index......Page 204 A technical exploration of the art of ballet incorporating findings in the fields of kinesiology, biomechanics, and physiology A technical and artistic discussion of ballet, focusing on its history, physical requirements, exercises, and training.