The dancers profiled in "First Position" represent the pinnacle of their art over the last century. Author Toba Singer polled hundreds of dance critics, dance teachers and professors, and active and retired professional dancers to create a list that represents the best of the various styles of ballet from the last hundred years. The result is a collective biography that introduces the reader to dancers both with household names (Mikhail Baryshnikov, Rudolf Nureyev) and those known mostly to ballet aficinados. Each of the 15 chapters begins with a biographical portrait and includes discussions of the dancer's style and artistic background; associations with noted choreographers, composers, artistic directors, and dance partners; relationship with the audience; and critical reception. Each chapter concludes with a list of works performed and features photographs.