An intimate look at the artistic complexities of partnering
“Wonderfully complete and instructive, written by two artists who have lived what they write about and are sharing their life experience from a deep and very human viewpoint. Bravo!”—Donald Mahler, former director, Metropolitan Opera Ballet
“Perfect for inspiring dancers who want to learn more about the art of partnering.”—Lauren Jonas, cofounder and artistic director, Diablo Ballet
“An effective and lively resource to add to a dancer and teacher’s partnering skills toolkit.”—Dean Speer, author of On Technique
Mastering the pas de deux—or “step of two”—requires more than just physical proficiency; it demands genuine commitment between dancers. Respect, patience, and etiquette matter just as much as technique. The best partners communicate effectively through breath, eye contact, and musical cues. In Experiencing the Art of Pas de Deux, professional dance couple Jennifer Kronenberg and Carlos Miguel Guerra demystify the physical, emotional, and artistic intricacies behind the art of two dancing as one.
Experienced principal dancers and ballet instructors, Kronenberg and Guerra disclose key components of partnering work often overlooked in classes, such as how to build and maintain the connections necessary for a trusting relationship and thus a successful team. Their combined explanations illuminate choreographic work from both a male and female perspective and detail the responsibilities of each partner. With step-by-step instructions for proper posture, lifts, jumps, turns, and even dance conditioning, each chapter’s lesson includes personal anecdotes, offering a more intimate look at how partners can support one another during practices and performances. Additionally, QR code–accessible videos provide brief demonstrations that more fully illustrate newer and complex movements.
Offering expert technical pointers and honing in on the secrets to forming successful interpersonal bonds, Kronenberg and Guerra’s firsthand look at this “art form within an art form” will allow dancers in every genre to discover the inner workings of the finest and most memorable partnerships.
