Tutus, Tights and Tiptoes
David W. Barber
Tutus, Tights and Tiptoes: Ballet History as it Ought to be Taught
136 pages, paperback
ISBN-13: 978-0-9878492-9-8
Ebook on Amazon Kindle
ISBN-13: 978-0-9878492-4-3
Illustrated by Dave Donald, with a preface by Karen Kain
Ever since the very first cave dweller stubbed a toe and danced around the campfire, people throughout the ages have been jumping up and down and waving their arms in an attempt to tell stories and express their emotions. Later on, we got a little more organized about it and called it dance. And if we want to be really highbrow and impress our friends, we call it “the ballet.”
In Tutus, Tights and Tiptoes, classical music historian and humorist David W. Barber casts a wicked, witty and insightful eye at the history of ballet from its beginnings in the French court to its later heights in such classics as Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker and Swan Lake and more recent scandals such as the premiere of Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring, which shocked audiences and caused a riot in the seats. He also touches on other forms, from Morris dancing to modern jazz. And of country-and-western line dancing – well, the less said the better.
Once again, illustrator Dave Donald has provided numerous funny and delightful cartoon drawings, perfectly in step with the text.