"Every commercial ballet teacher should have a copy. . . . offers solid self-evaluation to every teacher--it separates 'the mice and the Nutcracker'!"–Richard J. Sias, dancer, choreographer, and associate professor of ballet, Florida State University
"The contribution to the dance world is immense. . . . should be read by all teachers of dance as well as students in preparatory schools and colleges. . . . Mr. White challenges us to reexamine what we have accepted as excellence in the past and to push beyond that to find what is possible."–Patricia Walker, founder and director, Children's Ballet Theatre of New Hampshire
"A service of great importance for any artist wishing to pursue a career in dance. . . . applicable to both experienced and inexperienced dancers and teachers. It gives guidelines to the art of teaching ballet where none existed before."–Charles Flachs, principal dancer, Nashville Ballet
From his experience of 40 years in ballet as a student, performer, ballet master, and dedicated teacher, John White offers this work of inspiration and step-by-step instruction on the art and craft of teaching classical dance.
Stressing excellence in both the creative and the practical aspects of teaching, White discusses what it means to be a "master teacher"–someone with both a deep love for dance and an appreciation for the grandeur of the human spirit.
Good art is usually uncomplicated, he says. Illustrating with 97 photographs, he presents a method of study that includes such aspects of teaching as constructive warm-up exercises, when to begin pointe shoes, the beneficial aspects of pain, and appropriate music for the classroom, as well as elements of the basic lesson. He discusses how to recognize talent and to refine and develop it. He offers guidelines for establishing and organizing a well-run studio. And he presents his personal insights into the art of classical ballet pedagogy–shaped in particular by his study with ballet masters from the Kirov and Bolshoi ballet companies and by concepts from the famous Vaganova Choreographic School in St. Petersburg.

In this book, White also argues that poor training often brings about the loss of talented students and the premature forced retirement of professional artists from unnecessary injuries. By contrast, White says, good teaching can be an exhilarating challenge and a profound joy.

John White (1934?2022) was cofounder and codirector of the Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet. He was also a soloist and the ballet master of the Ballet Nacional de Cuba and the head instructor and interim ballet master of the Pennsylvania Ballet Company.

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"Teaching Classical Ballet by John White is quite a treasure. . . . it is his comments on the art and science of teaching that elevate this book to an unusual level. The section focusing on the Master Teacher is a jewel. It should be read and re-read regularly by every teacher who is truly interested in transmitting the full magic of ballet - not merely technique - to his or her students. Dancer recommends this small book with greatest accolades." - Dancer
--Dancer

With its logical format, clearly developed themes, and a philosophy that combines common sense with uncommon knowledge of the art of ballet (abetted by photographs of dancers in positons " la Vaganova), "Teaching Classical Ballet" will be a staple of the dance teacher's library for years to come.
--Dancer Magazine

"Although the title is Teaching Classsical Ballet this is not a manual of classical technique ot a 'How to Teach' book. It has a far-reaching vision and wisdom which relate to all aspects of Classical Ballet from the studio to the stage, and the author clearly demonstrates his love, respect and deep understanding of the art of Classical Dance. His writing is always stimulating and makes a valuable contributino to both ballet an dance literature." "Mr. White's book should be on the shelves of every dance college library."
--Dancing Times (UK)

" Teaching Ballet [ . . . ] is quite a treasure." ; " This section focusing on the Master Teacher is a jewel. It should be read and reread regularly by every teacher who is truly interested in transmitting the full magic of ballet - not merely technique - to his or her students. Dancer recommends this small book with greatest accolades."
--Dancer