Cyril Beaumont

Cyril Beaumont (1891-1976) was a British dance historian, publisher, and bookseller who made significant contributions to ballet literature and criticism during the 20th century. His extensive writings on dance history and technique established him as one of the leading dance scholars of his era. From his London bookshop, Beaumont & Co., he published numerous influential works on ballet and built connections with major figures in the dance world. His shop became a cultural hub for dancers, choreographers, and dance enthusiasts, while his publishing house produced essential texts on ballet technique and history. The scope of Beaumont's own writing was comprehensive, including detailed biographies of dancers and choreographers, technical manuals, and historical surveys of ballet. His most notable works include Complete Book of Ballets and The History of Harlequin, which remain valuable references for dance scholars. Through his meticulous research and documentation of ballet history, particularly during the Diaghilev era, Beaumont helped preserve crucial information about ballet productions, techniques, and personalities that might otherwise have been lost. His contributions earned him several honors, including Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to ballet.

Readers view Cyril Beaumont as a detailed ballet historian whose work provides valuable historical documentation, particularly of the Diaghilev era. His books have maintained relevance among dance scholars and practitioners. Readers appreciated: - First-hand accounts of performances and dancers - Technical descriptions of ballet steps and methods - Extensive collection of photographs and illustrations - Clear explanations of French ballet terms Common criticisms: - Dense, academic writing style - Limited availability of his out-of-print works - High prices for rare editions - Some historical details disputed by modern scholars Online ratings and reviews are limited, as most of his works were published pre-1960: - Goodreads: "The Ballet Called Swan Lake" (3.5/5 from 8 ratings) - Amazon: Most titles have no customer reviews, with used copies listed $100+ - Archive.org: His technical manuals remain popular downloads - WorldCat: High number of academic library holdings indicates continued scholarly use Note: Given the age and specialized nature of his works, comprehensive online review data is sparse.

The Ballet Called Swan Lake - A detailed examination of the history, development, and various productions of Tchaikovsky's ballet from its premiere through the early 20th century.

Michel Fokine and His Ballets - A biographical study of choreographer Michel Fokine, analyzing his major works and contributions to modern ballet.

Complete Book of Ballets - A comprehensive reference guide covering the plots, music, and production history of major classical ballets.

A Manual of the Theory and Practice of Classical Theatrical Dancing - A technical handbook detailing the Cecchetti Method of classical ballet training.

A Short History of Ballet - A chronological overview of ballet's development from the Italian Renaissance through the 20th century.

The Art of Ballet - An exploration of ballet's fundamental principles, covering technique, choreography, and stage presentation.

Diaghilev's Ballet in London - A historical account of the Ballets Russes performances in London under Sergei Diaghilev's direction.

The First Score - Beaumont's autobiography covering his experiences as a dance writer, publisher, and ballet bookshop owner.

Three French Dancers of the 18th Century - Biographical studies of dancers Camargo, Sallé, and Prévost, examining their influence on ballet history.

Enrico Cecchetti: A Memoir - A biographical account of the influential ballet master Enrico Cecchetti and his teaching methods.