Dancing With Stanislavsky A Concise Acting Technique for Dancers

Preface by Evi Stamatiou

Introduction

Chapter 1:  Stanislavsky for Dancers

Chapter 2:  Creating a Contemporary Ballet with Stanislavsky

Chapter 3:  Rehearsing and performing with Stanislavsky

Appendix:  Red/Blue’s Libretto

Index

Biography

Deborah Novak holds a PhD in dance and theatre from Ohio University’s School of Interdisciplinary Arts. She currently teaches ballet at OU and is the director of the school’s Ballet Ensemble. She has written, directed, and appeared in over a thousand productions in theatre, film, and television.  She has won four Emmy Awards for her PBS documentaries, has written three plays which were produced in New York, authored books, journal articles, and published a textbook on musical theater.  

"Deborah Novak puts forth an impressive argument for dancers to study acting technique.  This unique method of hers leads to the ultimate goal of embodied movement--getting dancers in confident touch with who they really are, never again to leave themselves behind in the wings ." 

Steven Caras, author "Through the Lens of a Dancer," Susan Schadt Press 

 

“Deborah Novak brings a rare combination of theatrical insight and balletic experience to this work, offering dancers a fresh way to think about expression in performance. Her approach invites a deeper connection between movement and intention—an idea that will resonate with dancers and teachers seeking greater clarity, presence, and depth in performance.”

Marisa Cerveris, former New York City Ballet; Founder, SteelCore Studio®

 

"At last!   An acting technique that makes sense to dancers!  Deborah Novak understands how dancers think, and she speaks clearly and concisely to them."   

Kim R. Pauley, Artistic Director/CEO, Charleston Ballet

 

“This book makes a compelling case for why Stanislavsky’s acting principles can be a powerful tool for dancers, deepening musicality, presence, and character work to make performances feel lived-in rather than simply executed.  Dr. Novak offers an insightful, valuable bridge between technique and artistry for any dancer seeking more authentic expression on stage!” 

Christi Camper Moore, PhD, Ohio University School of Dance

 

“Technique gives us the steps—this book teaches dancers how to fill them with meaning. Deborah Novak has given us a thoughtful and transformative resource for elevating performance from the precise to the profound.”

Meredith Cornell, Huntington Dance Theatre

 

“Dr. Novak has found an area seriously lacking in most dance schools and conservatories:  the merging of inner self discovery and outer physical language that brings depth to the dancer executing a role. What serious dancer would not want to fully develop his/her inner self through acting training. Deborah Novak provides the tools here, coaches/teachers run with it.”

Anne Christian, former Miami City Ballet, www.dalybodyworktherapy.com