"The Ballet Companion" is a fresh, comprehensive, and thoroughly up-to-date reference book for the dancer. With 150 stunning photographs of ballet stars Maria Riccetto and Benjamin Millepied demonstrating perfect execution of positions and steps, this elegant volume brims with everything today"s dance student needs, including: - Practical advice for getting started, such as selecting a school, making the most of class, and studio etiquette; - Explanations of ballet fundamentals and major training systems; - An illustrated guide through ballet class - warm-up, barre, and center floor; - Guidelines for safe, healthy dancing through a sensible diet, injury prevention, and cross-training with yoga and Pilates; - Descriptions of must-see ballets and glossaries of dance, music, and theater terms. Along the way you"ll find technique secrets from stars of American Ballet Theatre, lavishly illustrated sidebars on ballet history,...