When I was in dance class...

One of the most popular..."when I was a kid" memories is of taking dance class.  It doesn't matter if you were the best dancer, worst dancer or now a famous ballerina it is a sacred memory.  Not all dance studios or dance classes are the same but there are some things you can count on, like plie's are always first at the ballet barre.  So, we all chuckle or are deeply offended when writers who have never danced write a book about dance class.  There are just things you wouldn't know if you weren't there, so don't even try.  With that being said let's explore a few books written by Dancers that are well worth your reading time with "your" little dancer.

Dancer and choreographer Debbie Allen best known for the 1982 TV show, Fame or today's Grey's Anatomy wrote the picture book,  Dancing in the Wings.  The opening page truly and honestly explains how dancer's feel when dance captures their heart.

Ever since I was born and could see,

Everywhere I looked, I saw Dance.

In the clouds as the wind blew them across the sky. 

In the ripples on a pond.  

Even in the sea of ants marching up and down the hill. 

Dance was all around me.

Dance was me.

The story is about Sassy who has big feet and big dreams and is taller than everyone else in her class.   She hears music in everything she does.  When an important audition opportunity comes she wears her bright yellow leotard and stands in the front. It is a realistic story and isn't "fairy tale" like.  The charming illustrations are by Kadir Nelson.

 Here are some others:

Ballerina Swan by Allegra Kent & Emily Arnold MCully

Sophie the swan wants to dance and watches  class from the window.  The swan was an interesting choice because of the obvious comparisons of swans to ballerinas.  It is a sweet enjoyable story.  Allegra Kent is best known for being a New York City Ballet principal dancer under the direction of George Balanchine. As much I like Ballerina Swan, Ms Kent's most recent book is a "show-stopper" and in a simple yet informative way takes you in to the daily routine of a dancer in the ballet on performance day. 

This is my NEW favorite ballet picture book:

Ballerina Gets Ready 
by Allegra Kent & Catherine Stock

Iris has a busy day before taking the stage in her ballet. She wakes up early and heads to the theater, where she has classes, costume fittings and rehearsals. With a break for lunch and an unexpected change in partners, soon enough it s almost show time. At half an hour to curtain Iris gets her shoes ready and does a few chainés. The musicians tune their instruments as the stage manager calls for places. At 8:00 the curtain rises... and the dancing begins!

Ballerina Rosie by Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York 2012 (not a ballerina but a princess)

“And more than anything Rosie loved to dance”…Yes, a very familiar line in most picture books about dancing.   It is a truthful statement and describes quite a few people.  The story does touch on something important,  it’s not easy, dance requires focus and determination and the learning process while creative is set in structure.  A good dance teacher will help a student transition into what it means to follow instructions and wait your turn in a way that makes learning the art of dance fun.  And that dancing around your living room to your owns steps and music doesn’t necessarily mean you are suited for dance class.  Those dancers appreciate the creativity but don't yet understand the structure needed to learn technique.

Dance by Bill T Jones & Susan Kuklin

Dance is action and shape designed in space and time to express feelings and ideas.-Bill T. Jones

With the photography and input from Susan Kuklin, celebrated dancer and choreographer Bill T Jones wrote in 1998 the most perfect picture book for young dancers.  When a dance teacher reads this book in dance class the relevance to movement becomes clear.  
The book begins...

I am a dancer; I want to dance

When I dance, I use parts of me, and I use all of me.

My favorite line is:  When I am dancing, I am thinking and I am feeling.

Emma and Julia Love Ballet by Barbara McClintock

This book is so charming and shows the parallels between a little girl loving dance and a grown girl loving dance.  This book could not be more perfect for all dancers to read.  Barbara McClintock is not herself a dancer but has been a true lover of the art form since her sister took her to a performance to see Judith Jamison dance.  The text and illustrations are simple and clear.

 

 

Firebird

Misty Copeland shows a young girl how to dance like the Firebird.

Illustrated by Christopher Myers

Some say Misty Copeland is the new face of Ballet.  The thought may be it’s because she is African American and not the usual body-type for Ballet.  I say it’s because she is a beacon of encouragement to all that want to work hard and learn their craft. Not everyone will be a ballerina but Dance welcomes Everyone!


So, look for these books, read these books,
 I promise you will love these books!