Best Classical Dancing Books of 2026

Don't Think, Dear: On Loving and Leaving Ballet is a compelling memoir by Alice Robb that explores ballet's role in the modern world through the author's experience as a student at the School of American Ballet. Robb's nuanced and passionate research offers insight into the hyper-competitive world of ballet and the lessons learned in the mirror-lined studios of Lincoln Center that have served her well in the wider world. The book also delves into the fates of her former classmates, offering stories of heartbreak, resilience, reinvention, and regret. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the world of classical dancing and the psyche of a dancer.

Mr. B: George Balanchine's 20th Century is a fascinating biography about the life of arguably the greatest choreographer of the 20th century. Based on a decade of research and over 100 interviews, author Jennifer Homans provides a detailed portrait of Balanchine's life and his contributions to the art of ballet. The book delves into Balanchine's personal struggles, including his bouts with ill health and numerous failed marriages. Homans also explores the historical events that shaped Balanchine's life and work, making this book a must-read for those interested in dance history and the cultural influences of the 20th century.

New York City Ballet: Choreography & Couture is a stunning book that celebrates the creative collaborations between the New York City Ballet and top fashion designers. The book features over thirty contemporary fashion designers, including Valentino and Christopher John Rogers, among others. The beautiful photography by Pari Dukovic captures the dancers in motion, highlighting the couture elements of the costumes. The author, Marc Happel, has included the designers' original sketches and quotes discussing their process and inspiration for each ballet. This book is a must-read for those interested in the art of ballet and fashion design.

The Technical Manual and Dictionary of Classical Ballet by Gail Grant is a comprehensive reference guide for ballet enthusiasts, students, teachers, and choreographers. It includes over 1,100 ballet steps, movements, and poses with phonetic transcriptions, literal translations, and explanations of how each is performed, captured, or executed. The book also features a 15-page pictorial section drawn by the author, which shows the exact foot, leg, arm, and body positions for many of the more common ballet steps and movements. Overall, this revised and updated third edition is an essential and easy-to-use reference for anyone interested in ballet.

Ballet: The Definitive Illustrated Story is a scintillating visual guide that traces the history of ballet from its origins to the contemporary scene. Written by ballet legend Viviana Durante, the book covers more than 70 celebrated dances, famous performers, renowned companies, and composers and choreographers. The book is accompanied by rarely seen photographs and compelling facts about each dance, making it a sumptuous visual treat and an essential gift for all dance and ballet enthusiasts. Overall, the book is a solid purchase for most reference collections and offers an unrivaled overview of this dance form.

The Art of Movement is a stunning celebration of movement and dance, featuring hundreds of breathtaking photographs of more than 70 dancers from some of the world's most accomplished dance companies. The book captures the flow, energy, and grace of these artists frozen in time in exquisite poses, yet there's a feeling of movement in every photograph that makes them appear to be dancing across the pages. Accompanying the photographs are inspiring words from the dancers, choreographers, and artistic directors, sharing what dance means to them. This book is a must-have for both newly avid fans and long-time lovers of dance.

Ballerina Body: Dancing and Eating Your Way to a Leaner, Stronger, and More Graceful You by Misty Copeland is a health and fitness book that provides step-by-step advice, meal plans, and workout routines for reshaping your body to be lean, flexible, and healthy. Misty shares her own time-tested exercises and an eating plan focusing on healthy fats, both of which keep her in top shape. Additionally, she offers tips for motivation, encouragement, and finding mentors, as well as excerpts from her personal journal. This book is a great resource for anyone looking to achieve a ballerina's body and improve their overall health.

The Color of Dance is a stunning coffee-table book that celebrates diversity and inclusion in the world of ballet. With breathtaking images of ballerinas of color of all ages and levels, the book redefines what this classically Eurocentric art form has looked like for centuries. TaKiyah Wallace-McMillian lovingly centered young dancers of color as never before, giving a voice to dancers who have been underrepresented for too long. With dozens of quotes throughout from ballerinas themselves, The Color of Dance will inspire dancers and all of us to pursue our dreams no matter what barriers are put in front of us.

The Style of Movement: Fashion & Dance is a stunning photography book that showcases more than eighty of today's most celebrated dancers in garments designed by some of fashion's biggest names. The book takes the relationship between style, fashion, and dance as its subject and the dancers bring the pages to life with their grace and movement, becoming one with what they're wearing. The book has won an International Photography Award (IPA) and is a must-have for fans of dance, fashion, and photography.

Classical Ballet Technique is an extensive guide for ballet enthusiasts, students, and teachers. Gretchen Warren offers a comprehensive study of classical ballet from her unique and expert point of view. The book is packed with practical advice, and the clarity of the writing is a major achievement in a field notorious for its opaqueness. Susan Cook's photographic illustrations add another dimension to the text. This book is a valuable contribution to the lexicon of ballet and an essential addition to any dance lover's library.