The names Pavlova, Tchaikovsky, Giselle, and Copeland are part of a special and magical world to which very few belong. Ballet: The Definitive Illustrated Story (DK, $40) brings these names, and more, together and chronicles more than 450 years of the poetic and dreamy art form. From its extravagant beginnings in the courts of Italy and France, to the lavishly decorated Russian stages of the classical era and the sparse experimental scenes of modern American dance, ballet spans decades and cultures and deserves to be memorialized. Using a pleasant and eye-catching mix of storytelling, quotations, and stunning photographs, Ballet is packed with facts and historical anecdotes and showcases a spectacular timeline of dancers, dances, and companies. This DK collection is an exceptional and timeless gift for art lovers and history buffs alike and is sure to be a cherished addition to any library.
