Traditionally for many, the beginning of a new year marks the moment to make resolutions and set new goals; they are often related to self-care, professional ambitions, and personal relationships.
Thus we’ve compiled a list of ballet books that – albeit indirectly – may contribute to an objective you (or in some cases, a young one in your life) have your heart and mind set on to accomplish in the next twelve months. Plus, reading in itself is an action that helps us grow in many different ways. As NBC campaigns: The More You Know.
This is a diverse nonexhaustive collection of ballet books in terms of target audience, topic, and genre so chances are you will find something that is a good fit.
And if you have any recommendations, please drop us a note in the comments below and we’ll consider adding it to the list!
Autobiographical Ballet Books
Autobiographical ballet books give us first hand insight into the behind the scenes reality and magic of this beautiful art form, often told as a memoir.
This autobiographical memoir of the current Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet was written while David Hallberg was still a principal with American Ballet Theatre. He tells about the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of his artistic career and provides intimate insight into the life of an elite ballet dancer.
In an episodic nature with essays written from different narrative perspectives, Gavin Larsen's memoir takes the reader on her ballet journey from the first steps in a dance studio to the final bow on stage. We interviewed Ms. Larsen about her debut as a published book author.
In what is subtitled, "A Funny, Sexy, Sad Almost-Memoir of a Boy in Ballet", James Whiteside discusses not only his path to becoming one of the most well-known ballet dancers of the 21st century but also how his two alter egos - JbDubs (a pop musician) and Ühu Betch (a drag queen) - have made him one of the most popular celebrities beyond the ballet space.
Peter Boal's memoir - his debut as a published book author - is a coming of age story of a young boy growing up in a privileged town in Westchester, New York. Boal takes us on his journey as he navigates the trials and tribulations, plus the joys and comforts, that developed throughout the relationships in his early years. We had the opportunity to interview Peter Boal, who is currently the artistic director of Pacific Northwest Ballet, where he shares some of his deepest and rawest feelings.
The recently retired Queensland Ballet Artistic Director's inspiring autobiographical story from peasant to ballet star has also been made into a film. Li Cunxin's talent was spotted during his youth at which time he was taken from his small Chinese village to bustling Beijing before arriving in the United States - a journey that would take him to levels he never imagined.
Known for her dancing as a soloist with New York City Ballet and for her partnership with Phil Chan of Final Bow for Yellowface fame, Georgina Pazcoguin goes out on her own this time with her very own memoir. She shares her life as a ballerina and social activist for readers to see the world through her eyes.
An orphan turned sought after ballerina, Michaela DePrince's memoir shares her childhood hardships and progressive triumphs with the rest of the world. Her inspirational story created headline news and as did her tragic death on September 10, 2024. Read our reflection in memory of Michaela.
Non-Fiction Ballet Books
Non-fiction ballet books serve to provide historical context and narrative to better understand the details and nuances of this unique art. Specifically, biographies can provide us with a deeper knowledge and understanding of a particular person.
Jennifer Homan's background as a former professional ballerina, dance critic, and historian of modern Europe provides the ingredients to make for a thorough and insightful chronicle of ballet. She takes the reader on a journey of ballet's origins, to its geographical expansion, and to its evolution when it finally reached the United States.
This reference book, with a forward by Viviana Durante, is a chronological history covering renowned ballet companies and dancers as well as over seventy ballets. Illustrations and rare photographs accompany the easy-to-read layout and cleanly-displayed timelines making the learning both literary and visual.
Written by a former Stuttgart Ballet dancer mentored by John Cranko during his time there and beyond, this biography takes a deeper look into the influential South African man who left his creative imprint on the dance world. June 2023 marked the 50th anniversary of Cranko's death, sparking new-found interest in his many achievements.
Over the past several years, there has been more public awareness and acceptance about the fact that cultural stereotypes are often portrayed in many of our beloved classical ballets. Phil Chan has been at the forefront of advocacy for the Asian community in particular in this ongoing global conversation.
A dance critic for The New Yorker, Jennifer Homans has spent the last decade researching the life of George Balanchine, undoubtedly one of the most renowned and popular choreographers of the last century. This extensive, major biography - the first one ever written - relates the actions and decisions of this balletic genius with the historical events that occurred during his lifetime.
Julie Kavanagh's biography detailing the professional and personal escapades of one of classical ballet's most iconic and dynamic figures is considered one of the most definitive by literary critics. Rudolf Nureyev's story which was recently told in cinematographic form in The White Crow is based on this particular writing.
Illustrated Ballet Books
Illustrated ballet books are a wonderful introduction to the ballet world for young readers, and the best part is that adults can enjoy them, too!
Created in partnership with American Ballet Theatre, John Robert Allman creates for readers young and older an educational, alphabetical exploration of some of the most significant words in the ballet vernacular. Rachael Dean's illustrations add vibrant color to the experience.
Written by the author of the aforementioned B is for Ballet, John Robert Allman, this book is dedicated specifically to celebrating the male dancer. Luciano Lozano imagines the words into illustrations and photographs and interviews of influential ABT members compliment the story.
With a few releases under her belt already, Misty Copeland's latest features herself as the young protagonist hearing about Coppélia for the first time. Readers will not only hear an inspiring tale, but will also learn about this fun, comedic ballet via Setor Fiadzigbey's illustrations.
Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser of Fancy Nancy fame, this charming tale of the annual holiday tradition of a grandmother and granddaughter in the heart of New York City is sure to warm your hearts and trigger memories of your experiences seeing The Nutcracker. Don't forget to check out our interview with Ms. Glasser!
A ballet book list would feel incomplete without the inclusion of some version of The Nutcracker. This finely illustrated (by Valeria Docampo) version is based on George Balanchine's production which New York City Ballet presents annually at Christmastime.
This debut book by Ashley Bouder, a New York City Ballet principal dancer, is an interactive read that encourages young ones to first learn some basic ballet lessons and then develop their interpretations of characters from The Sleeping Beauty. The illustrations by Julia Bereciartu exemplify the importance of diversity.
Ballet Photography Books
Ballet photography books can reveal to us never before seen footage of a dancer’s life as well as studio or street images created to capture the beauty of this art in motion.
This photographic coffee table book started when Jordan Matter asked a Paul Taylor Dance Company member to dance in a place least expected. He loved the results and the result is a collection of dancers using New York City and beyond as their stage to portray "A Celebration of Joy in the Everyday".
Ballet Resource Books
Ballet resource books are great for learning vocabulary, about different methods of teaching ballet, as well as to gain a better understanding of the human body in relation to dance.
This resource book by Gail Grant has been a staple in dance studios for decades, a reference for teachers and students alike. Its extensive dictionary of ballet terms provides pronunciation, phonetic description, literal translation, and details about their practical use and execution in the ballet space.
Fiction Ballet Books
Fiction ballet books use elements from the dance world to create an immersive setting for an often made up cast of characters and plots.
In her third book, Miriam Landis draws from her observations as a former professional dancer and active ballet teacher (at Pacific Northwest Ballet School) to create this entertaining and enlightening book revolving around the mental and emotional growth of its preteen protagonists Lauren, Bryan, and Serena. For more insight, read our interview with Miriam Landis.
Cathy Marie Buchanan's book although categorized as a novel contains elements of historical fiction about the period of time when Edgar Degas sculpted one of his most (in)famous works, Little Dancer Aged Fourteen. As essayed in this CNN article, there exists a sordid side to the history of the beautiful art of ballet.
Featured Photo for these ballet books created by The Ballet Herald
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𝐌𝐚𝐨’𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐲 𝐋𝐢 𝐂𝐮𝐧𝐱𝐢𝐧: “The extraordinary memoir of a peasant boy raised in rural Maoist China who was plucked from his village to study ballet and went on to become one of the greatest dancers of his generation.” ~ Goodreads
This international best seller was published in 2005 and was made into a movie a few years later. It is a very moving true story of a talented, young boy’s journey to stardom, encountering many political, familial, and personal relationship issues along the way.
Li Cunxin’s story is inspiring, and deep enough for the book to have a young reader’s edition! – less details and historical facts. He became one of the greatest ballet dancers in the world – as well as a choreographer and artistic director. Quite an accomplishment, by any means!
Even though the book, as well as the movie, is over a decade-old, one can still find them…it will be well-worth the effort!
Thank you for the recommendation, Jennifer – it’s now part of the article! I saw the movie and absolutely loved it…now to add the book to my reading list 🙂