This work investigates the cultural significance, technical evolution, and historical trajectory of ballet as a premier performing art form. Arnold L. Haskell, a noted authority on dance history, utilizes his extensive background in criticism and observation to synthesize the development of ballet from its courtly origins to its modern iterations. The text provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the interplay between choreography, performance, and the institutional structures that sustain the art form.

Critics and dance historians frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the mid-century perspective on classical ballet. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which serves as a reliable reference for those interested in the historical context of the art form.