Tutus, Tights and Tiptoes: Ballet History as It Ought to Be Taught

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 136 pages
• Published by: Sound And Vision August 2, 2000
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0920151302
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0920151303
• Book Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Weighs: 7 ounces

From Library Journal
Musical humor writer Barber (Bach, Beethoven and the Boys) here directs his attention to the world of ballet. With a breezy style, he flies through the ages, from early humans to the present day, in a mere 94 pages. Barber's strengths include his use of ballet terms and the citing of various dances (e.g., the courante or the gavotte). He also discusses performances by famous ballet dancers throughout history. Chapter titles such as "Tutu Much," "The Agony of De-Feet," and "Rotten to the Corps" give a sense of the book's spirit. Cartoonist Donald's simple illustrations are interspersed throughout, and an extensive index provides quick, very general ballet information. This light, humorous work about ballet is fun to read. Recommended for general and topical collections.DBarbara Kundanis, Batavia P.L., IL
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Review
Reminiscent of the late Victor Borge. -- Mike Maza, The Dallas Morning News

Reader Reviews
It might sound naive, but I was really disappointed by this book - I had really expected a lot more, or at least a little more. I can't barely remember when it was the last time I enjoyed less a book about ballet. The problem is, it "tries" to be witty and funny, but it's not. It's annoying and sometimes it gets to your nerves. If you don't know a word about dance, you won't learn anything about it with Mr. Barber's book. And if you are into ballet, you will get confused and angry by the lack of knowlegde and the sometimes really inaccuracy of the facts. It might provide some cheap laughs here and there... mmmm... if that's all one aspires to, it's okay. But I feel cheated, I can't believe I actually paid the money and the shipping for this book. Maybe the author should keep writing about music and leave ballet alone, please. I have heard his books on opera and music in general are really funny and nice. But as anyone can expect, I'm not going to order and pay for them, just in case. Oh, some drawings are really nice.