The best 30 Ballet books

Ella Bella Ballerina and Swan Lake by James Mayhew is a delightful children's book that follows the story of a little girl named Ella Bella who is transported into the magical world of Swan Lake through the power of her imagination. With beautiful illustrations and an engaging narrative, this book introduces young readers to the classic ballet and the enchanting tale of Odette, the Swan Queen.

Ballet Lesson by Elizabeth Schaefer is a delightful children's book that follows the story of a young girl named Emma who dreams of becoming a ballerina. With beautiful illustrations and a heartwarming narrative, this book takes readers on a journey as Emma learns the importance of dedication, perseverance, and the joy of expressing oneself through dance.

When Stravinsky Met Nijinsky by Lauren Stringer is a captivating picture book that tells the story of the groundbreaking collaboration between composer Igor Stravinsky and dancer Vaslav Nijinsky. Set against the backdrop of the creation of the ballet "The Rite of Spring," the book explores the creative process and the unconventional ideas that revolutionized the world of music and dance.

Apollo's Angels by Jennifer Homans is a comprehensive and captivating exploration of the history of ballet. From its origins in the Renaissance to its evolution into a global art form, Homans delves into the cultural, social, and political influences that have shaped ballet over the centuries. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, she offers a rich and insightful account of this beautiful and enduring art form.

Margot Fonteyn by Meredith Daneman is a captivating biography that delves into the extraordinary life of the iconic ballerina. From her early years in England to her rise to international stardom, the book offers a glimpse into Fonteyn's dedication, passion, and resilience in the world of ballet. With rich detail and insightful analysis, Daneman paints a vivid portrait of a true dance legend.

Dancing Through It is a memoir by Jenifer Ringer, a former principal dancer with the New York City Ballet. In this book, Ringer shares her journey from a young girl with a passion for ballet to becoming a renowned dancer. She provides an intimate look at the demanding world of professional ballet, the challenges she faced, and the determination that kept her dancing through it all.

A Body of Work is a memoir by David Hallberg, a world-renowned ballet dancer. In this book, Hallberg takes us on a journey through his life and career, sharing the challenges and triumphs he experienced along the way. From his early days of training to becoming the first American principal dancer at the Bolshoi Ballet, Hallberg offers a candid and inspiring account of what it takes to pursue excellence in the world of dance.

Dancing for Degas by Kathryn Wagner is a captivating novel that takes us into the world of 19th-century Paris. It tells the story of a young ballerina named Alexandrie who becomes the muse of the famous artist Edgar Degas. Through beautiful prose and vivid descriptions, the book explores the complexities of art, love, and the pursuit of one's dreams.

The Walls Around Us by Nova Ren Suma is a haunting and suspenseful novel that delves into the lives of three teenage girls bound together by a dark secret. Told from multiple perspectives, it weaves a gripping tale of friendship, betrayal, and the lengths one will go to in order to break free from the confines of their past.

Raising the Barre by Lauren Kessler is a captivating memoir that takes you behind the scenes of the ballet world. Through her personal journey of rediscovering her passion for ballet as an adult, Kessler shares the physical and emotional challenges, the dedication and discipline, and the beauty and grace that come with pursuing a lifelong dream. It's an inspiring tale of determination and the power of following your heart.

Tallulah's Nutcracker is a delightful children's book that follows the story of a young ballerina named Tallulah. When she is cast in a production of The Nutcracker, she is determined to dance the role of Clara. Through hard work and determination, Tallulah learns valuable lessons about friendship, perseverance, and the true meaning of the holiday season.

Nureyev is a captivating biography that delves into the extraordinary life of the legendary ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev. From his humble beginnings in Russia to his dramatic defection to the West, Julie Kavanagh provides a detailed account of Nureyev's rise to fame and his profound impact on the world of dance. Filled with fascinating anecdotes and insights, this book offers a compelling portrait of a true icon.

Flora and the Flamingo is a wordless picture book that follows the unlikely friendship between a little girl named Flora and a graceful flamingo. Through beautifully illustrated dance sequences, the book explores the themes of friendship, cooperation, and the joy of finding a kindred spirit. It's a heartwarming story that will captivate both children and adults.

Life in Motion is a memoir by Misty Copeland, the first African American female principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre. In this inspiring book, Copeland shares her journey from a challenging childhood to achieving her dreams in the world of ballet. She discusses the obstacles she faced, the dedication required, and the importance of breaking barriers in the dance industry. It's a story of passion, resilience, and the power of believing in oneself.

Pointe by Brandy Colbert is a gripping novel that delves into the world of ballet and the complexities of friendship. Set in Chicago, it follows the story of Theo, a talented ballet dancer with a troubled past. When her childhood best friend returns after being missing for four years, Theo is forced to confront painful truths and make difficult choices. With its raw portrayal of teenage struggles and beautiful prose, Pointe is a compelling read that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.

NYC Ballet Workout by Peter Martins provides a unique approach to fitness, drawing inspiration from the world of ballet. With detailed instructions and beautiful illustrations, this book offers a series of exercises designed to improve strength, flexibility, and posture. Whether you're a dancer or simply looking for a new workout routine, this book will help you achieve a toned and graceful physique.

Ballet Cat by Bob Shea is a delightful children's book about a cat who loves to dance ballet. When Ballet Cat invites her friend Sparkles the Pony to dance with her, she quickly realizes that he doesn't share her passion for ballet. This leads to a heartwarming and humorous exploration of friendship and compromise. With charming illustrations and a fun storyline, it's a perfect read for young ballet enthusiasts.

First Position by Melissa Brayden is a captivating romance novel that follows the story of two talented ballet dancers, Anastasia and Natalie. As they compete for the lead role in a prestigious production, they find themselves drawn to each other in ways they never expected. Filled with passion, ambition, and undeniable chemistry, this book explores the complexities of love and ambition in the competitive world of professional ballet.

Technical Manual and Dictionary of Classical Ballet by Gail Grant is a comprehensive guide to the technical vocabulary and movements of classical ballet. It provides detailed descriptions and illustrations of ballet positions, steps, and techniques, making it an essential resource for both students and teachers of ballet.

Russian Winter by Daphne Kalotay is a captivating novel that weaves together the stories of a Russian prima ballerina, a young jewelry designer, and a Soviet police officer. Set in both Stalinist Russia and modern-day Boston, the book explores love, betrayal, and the enduring power of art. It's a beautifully written tale that will keep you engrossed until the very end.

Fancy Nancy and the Mermaid Ballet by Jane O'Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser is a delightful children's book that follows the story of Fancy Nancy as she prepares for her role in the school ballet. With her unique sense of style and love for all things fancy, Nancy brings her own special flair to the mermaid-themed production. It's a charming tale about friendship, creativity, and the joy of expressing oneself through the art of dance.

Angelina Ballerina is a delightful children's book written by Katharine Holabird and illustrated by Helen Craig. It tells the story of a little mouse who dreams of becoming a famous ballerina. Despite facing challenges and doubts from others, Angelina perseveres and proves that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. This heartwarming tale encourages children to follow their passions and never give up on their dreams.

Winter Season by Toni Bentley is a captivating memoir that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of professional ballet. Bentley takes us on her journey as a young dancer at the prestigious New York City Ballet, sharing the physical and emotional challenges she faced during the grueling winter season. With honesty and insight, she explores the sacrifices and rewards of pursuing a career in dance, and provides a unique perspective on the art form.

Dancing on My Grave is a memoir by Gelsey Kirkland, a former principal dancer with the New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. In this candid account, Kirkland shares her journey through the cutthroat world of ballet, her struggles with eating disorders and substance abuse, and ultimately her redemption and return to the stage. It offers a raw and honest portrayal of the highs and lows of a life dedicated to dance.

I Was a Dancer is a captivating memoir by Jacques D'Amboise that takes readers on a journey through the world of dance. From his early days as a young boy with a passion for movement to becoming a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, D'Amboise shares his personal experiences, struggles, and triumphs in the competitive and demanding world of professional dance. This inspiring book offers a unique glimpse into the life of a remarkable artist.

Astonish Me by Maggie Shipstead is a captivating novel that delves into the world of ballet and the sacrifices made in pursuit of greatness. Set in the 1970s and spanning decades, the story follows Joan, a talented dancer who helps a Soviet ballet star defect to the West. As she navigates love, motherhood, and the complexities of the ballet world, Joan discovers the true meaning of fulfillment and self-discovery.

Brontorina is a delightful children's book that tells the story of a young dinosaur who dreams of becoming a ballerina. Written by James Howe and illustrated by Randy Cecil, the book celebrates the importance of following your dreams and being true to yourself, no matter how unconventional it may seem.

The Sugarless Plum is a memoir by Zippora Karz that chronicles her journey as a professional ballerina diagnosed with diabetes. Karz shares her struggles, triumphs, and the challenges she faced in pursuing her passion for dance while managing her health. It is a poignant and inspiring story that offers valuable insights into the power of determination and the ability to overcome obstacles.

The Ballet Companion by Eliza Gaynor Minden is a comprehensive guide for both beginners and seasoned dancers. It covers everything from the history of ballet to practical tips on technique and injury prevention. With beautiful illustrations and valuable insights, this book is a must-have for anyone passionate about the art of ballet.

Symphonies Nos. 5, 6 and 7 in Full Score presents the complete scores of Beethoven's iconic symphonies. This book allows music enthusiasts and scholars to delve into the intricate details of these timeless compositions, offering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Beethoven's genius.