MEDIATHEK

Going to the Ballet by Arnold L. Haskell - Arnold Haskell, one of our greates authorities on this subject, and Director and Principal of the Sadlers Wells School, has written this book to help those seeing ballet for the first time to understand what they are watching on the stage. Ballet, he says, is only one part dancing and one part music, one drama, and one costume and scenery. He devotes a chapter to each part, and shows how subtly they are combined to create the magic of the finished performance. Though this little guide is simple, it is deeply informed and points the way through intelligent appreciation to greater enjoyment of ballet. The historical background and present-day developments on television and in films are usefully considered. There is a glossary of ballet terms, a recommended selection of ballets to see, both classical and modern, and photographs from the author's private collection and by leading photographers of the ballet illustrate the text. Source: Haskell, Arnold L. (1958): Going to the Ballet. Middlesex: Penguin Books Ltd, jacket.