Ballet, Why and How? On the Role of Classical Ballet in Dance Education

By Maaike Bleeker, Maurice Causey, Thom Hecht, Sanna Nordin-Bates, Larry Rhodes, Leda Meredith, Matthew Wyon and many more

In the 21st century, classical ballet is no longer the sole ‘dance stimulus’ for today’s audiences: Dance lovers are bombarded with dance on television, in film, through social media and on the urban street corners. A fluid fusion of ballet to Bollywood to ‘B-Girls’ represents how dance is consumed today. How does this affect the study of dance? Since the 1930’s, with the emergence of modern choreographers and consequently new teaching styles, there is a continuing debate on the advantages and disadvantages of classical ballet training for non-classical dancers. Much vocational dance education delivers dancers for contemporary and or commercial dance enterprises. Is ballet still relevant as a foundation technique? Is it crucial for those who aspire to a more divers and varied professional dance career? If so, why and how? A collection of distinguished dance professionals, scientists, academics and photographers will illuminate several topics offering in-depth articles for reflection and debate. Broad themes of historical, sociological, psychological and philosophical viewpoints will interlace with pedagogical, educational and artistic perspectives. The aim of the book is to share thoughts, ideas and experiences from which to create future professionals.

Specifications
2014, English ISBN 9789491444081 NUR 675
Author(s) Maaike Bleeker, Maurice Causey, Thom Hecht, Sanna Nordin-Bates, Larry Rhodes, Leda Meredith, Matthew Wyon and many more
Design Connie Nijman
Pages 192 p.
Dimensions 17 × 24 cm
Illustrations Ca. 145 b/w and colour ills.
Binding Hardcover