Ballet

Book excerpt: A compelling insight into the world of ballet for the most ardent sports fan. For those that prefer a cold beer from a plastic cup during intermission to champagne from a ballet slipper-Ballet: A Man's Game is geared to the "average Joe," who either has limited exposure to ballet dance or misconceptions about this physically demanding performance art. It will help men appreciate the finer points of ballet, which makes the viewing experience so much more enjoyable, much the way that football is more interesting when you learn how to anticipate a trap or a blast run from an "I" formation. Ballet: A Man's Game uses sports analogies to connect with the ardent sports fan. It recognizes that male dancers need the leg strength of a soccer player, the balance of a hockey player, the grace of an equestrian, the core strength of a gymnast, and the mind of a mathematician. The player only needs to have the ball cross the line to get into the win column, but the dancer has to win within the framework of a technique. A nose tackle playing with a pulled hamstring and bruised rib can grunt to deflect pain, but the dancer has no choice but to grin and bear it.