Ballet: The Definitive Illustrated Story

Ballet is one of the most visually spectacular and technically demanding art forms ever devised by human beings — and one of the most misunderstood, by those who have not seen it, as merely pretty or merely physical. DK’s Ballet: The Definitive Illustrated Story is the book that changes that misunderstanding: a comprehensive, gorgeously illustrated history of the form from its origins in Renaissance Italy through the great Russian Imperial tradition to the radical experimentation of the twentieth century and beyond.

The book profiles every major company, every landmark choreography, and every legendary performer — from Nijinsky and Pavlova to Nureyev, Fonteyn, and the stars of today’s international stage. Behind-the-scenes photographs, costume sketches, rehearsal images, and detailed production stills make this as visually stunning as the performances it describes.

An essential reference for dance lovers and the perfect introduction for anyone curious about one of the great art forms of Western culture. Lavishly produced and comprehensively researched. Published by DK.