The world of ballet is highly competitive, often unforgiving, and ultimately extremely rewarding. Jennifer Kronenberg’s inspiring how-to guide offers a wide range of pointers for success, starting with such basics as selecting a school, auditioning, sewing your pointe shoes’ ribbons, and choosing attire. She also addresses topics not often taught in dance classes, including backstage etiquette, emotional well-being, handling criticism, and eating for optimal energy.

Best of all, this enhanced print edition features QR codes that can be scanned with a tablet or smartphone, taking you to a companion website full of bonus videos. Watch Kronenberg, principal dancer with the Miami City Ballet, demonstrate how to arrange your hair for the stage, properly prepare pointe shoes, and apply stage makeup. These tips and tools provide an invaluable head start for young ballerinas and serve as a primer for their parents, as together they embark on an exciting journey into the world of professional dance.