This is the most respected and most widely-read Russian ballet manual in the world, written in 1938 by Agrippina Vaganova (Russia’s most influential ballet teacher of all time) and published in its final version (renowned as the 3rd edition) in U.S.S.R. in 1948. The book is presented – for the first time in English! – in its complete, unabridged, original form. Agrippina Vaganova played a pivotal role in the rebirth of Russian ballet, and her teaching method has gained unparalleled fame throughout the world. This Russian ballet techniques reference manual is the basis for all other classical ballet textbooks. The book contains the original text, additional documentation, contextual analysis, a biographical essay of Vaganova’s lifetime achievements, photos, specific illustrations of movements, forms and positions of her ballet method, and a fundamental new study on the influence of the Italians (led by Enrico Cecchetti) on the development of Russian ballet.

Discusses all basic principles of ballet, grouping movement by fundamental types. Diagrams show clearly the exact foot, leg, arm and body positions for the proper execution of many steps and movements. Offers dancers, teachers and ballet lovers information often difficult to locate in other books.