This volume serves as a comprehensive, single-source reference guide designed to catalog the expansive history, terminology, and key figures of the ballet world. Horst Koegler, a noted dance critic and historian, compiles over five thousand entries to provide a structured overview of the art form's evolution. The text functions as an encyclopedic resource, organizing information on dancers, choreographers, composers, and technical vocabulary into a standardized, accessible format for researchers and enthusiasts alike.

Experts and dance historians frequently cite this work as a foundational reference tool for its breadth and factual accuracy. Readers often note the density of the entries, which prioritize concise information over narrative prose.