A study of the Russian choreographer Lev Ivanov that follows him from his school days to a career as choreographer in one of the greatest ballet companies in the world - the Imperial Ballet of St Petersburg. That milieu, Ivanov's ballets, and their reception are described and documented. Professor Roland John Wiley has, through incredibly detailed and extensive research in Russia, managed to piece together a much clearer picture of this master choreographer's life and achievements than has ever been available before ... the book is very easy to read and well divided into clear cut sections ... there are fascinating accounts of his days at ballet school and graduation into the Imperial Ballet at the Maryinsky Theatre ... superb book ... It is a "must" for all who really care about classical ballet.