Eight Female Classical Ballet Variations

From the graceful flutter of Princess Florine at Sleeping Beauty's wedding to the playful jetées in the first act of Giselle, the variation - or short solo work - is one of the key elements of classical ballet. Arguing that true artistry requires in-depth knowledge, author Nina Danilova has worked with students for many years to focus on performing individual variations with the greatest extent of technical proficiency and artistic sensitivity. Eight Female Classical Ballet Variations lays out eight variations in the ballerina's repertoire. Each chapter is divided into five sections: a piano reduction of the score; a contextual note covering the history of the ballet, the plot, and memorable dancers who have performed the role; and instructions for dancing the variation itself, illustrated step by step. Accompanied by a comprehensive companion website, Eight Female Classical Ballet Variations pairs Danilova's method of teaching students with her decades of pedagogical experience.

Nina Danilova is a Vaganova-trained dancer and a former member of the Kirov company. She holds a graduate degree in ballet pedagogy and has worked with the award-winning Pacific Northwest Ballet. She is currently Associate Professor of Dance at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where her popular variations class provided the inspiration for this book.

ForewordPrefaceAcknowledgementsIntroduction by Natalia Makarova
The Program of the CourseExplanation of the process of teaching the new Variations CourseHow to Read Ballet Variations of Danilova's Series of Variations Part one Variations (1-4)1. Le Talisman. Choreography after M.Petipa. From Pas de deux2 Giselle. Choreography after M.Petipa from Peasant pas de deux3. Paquita. Choreography after M.Petipa. 2nd Solo La Sylphide from Grand Pas4. Paquita. Choreography after M.Petipa. 1st Solo Grand Fouetté from Grand Pas
Part two Variations (5-8)5. Paquita. Choreography after M.Petipa 3rd Solo Chelesta from Grand Pas 6. Raymonda . Choreography after M.Petipa. From 1st act - Raymonda's dream. 7. Le Corsaire. Choreography after M.Petipa. 2nd Solo Emboîté from Pas de Odalisques 8.(a) Sleeping Beauty . Choreography after M.Petipa. Princess Florine from Bluebird pas de deux 8.(b) Sleeping Beauty . Choreography after M.Petipa. Princess Florine from Bluebird pas de deux
Ballet Terminology Biographies: Danilova, Models, and technical and creative assistantsBibliographyCreditsIndex