Book Description

This imaginative board book features beautiful paintings by a renowned artist paired with playful, rhyming text. Children can enter Edgar Degas's magical world of toe shoes, tutus and elegant ballerinas. Dancing with Degas is a fun introduction to art and an imaginative adventure all rolled into one! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A winner in the "Favorite Books" stakes!
We bought this for my little guy when he was about 7 months old -- I loved the concept of exposing him to classical art in a way that was appropriate for his age. A picture book with a fun ryming story was just right!

Little did I realize that this, of all his dozens of books, would be the first to really capture his attention! Up to the point at which he decided this was his favorite book, Jack showed limited interest in books. But at some point he decided that books are very cool -- and Dancing with Degas was the first one he expected us to read to him over and over and over -- sometimes five repetitions at a sitting!

He has since added other books to his list of favorites -- but Dancing with Degas remains up there toward the top of the list.

When he turned one year, we got selveral more of Merberg and Bober's books, and he likes them all. But this one is still his favorite.

I highly recommend it! (And if you play Mozart quietly in the background as you read, the dancers seem to practially fly off the page!)

A fun and beautiful book!
I bought this for my daughter's first birthday and we love it! It is filled with Degas' paintings and a fun ryhming verse. It's a great way to introduce your little one to classical art in a format geared toward little readers. ... Read more

Book Description

From the American Indian sun dance to the Zulu marriage dance, from the

ballets of Ballanchine to the disco craze--dance is a part of almost every

culture of the world. As ritual, as celebration, and as art, dance is both

exotic and traditional, primitive and modern. This stunning exploration of this

most visual of art forms is brimming over with richly detailed sets and

costumes and photos of memorable performers and their techniques. A

75th Eyewitness volume with truly universal appeal.




... Read more

Reviews (3)

Magic and Beauty
In ancient Greece, dance was seen as a gift. Dance is simply a series of movements performed in patterns and set to music. Every human society has some form of dance. It is a way to pass on history, exercise and express yourself in a way words can't.

In this colorful guide, the magic and beauty of dance is shown in step-by-step sequences and full-color photographs. The costumes are spectacular and children can see the costumes, learn the stories of the great classical ballets and discover why Javanese dancers "flow like water."

Dances include:

Ballet
Tonga - poetry interpreted in dance in the Pacific Island of Tonga
Flamenco - Spanish
Ghost Dance - Native American
Morris Dance - England
Gharata Natya - Classic Indian Dance (if you enjoy this - watch Lagaan)
Orissi, Eastern India - originally performed by temple dancers
Georgian Ballet - the costumes are amazing!
Modern Ballet
Ballroom Dancing
and many more...

There is a section on footwear and they show how a ballet shoe is made. They explain the process of creating costumes all the way from the drawings to the finished product. Makeup and set design is briefly discussed.

A section on famous dancers and choreography shows what it takes. Finally, they discuss dance crazes through time.

A trip around the world in dance!

Beautiful book about dancing
DK eyewitness books are some of the greatest non-fiction books around. The distinctive white background and high-quality photography gives this book an edge over any other nonfiction picture book. And -- these pictures are real! They're beautiful photos of all things related to dancing, accompanied by informative captions and text.

Learn about many different styles of dance, costumes and shows, performers, and many other dance-related topics (all augmented by beautiful museum-quality photos).

If you know someone (young or old) who is fascinated dancing, then you must introduce them to this book!It's a great lesson about dancing, and a beautiful book.

Eyewitness Dance
This book is excellent for the education of all types of dance.The pictures are colorful, the information is accurate, and it keeps the readers attention.It covers a variety of dances, and goes into detailabout costumes and shoes.It is a good book for those interested in theart of dance, and dances from around the world. ... Read more

Book Description

Transport young readers into a real ballet class with Ballet School! Beautiful full color photography captures children learning how to form the five positions, perform basic dance techniques, and put on a recital. Follow along with the class as they learn how to warm up before practicing, perform jumps and leaps, execute the perfect final curtsy or bow, and much more.

Ballet School captivates by showing the gracefulness of ballet in the atmosphere of a real class, letting children learn what to expect from a ballet class. Whether reading about how to dress for a performance, observing the difference between pointe shoes and slippers, or learning how to tell a story through ballet, young dancers will love this very special introduction to the world of dance. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

With color photos of the class in action
Ages 5-8 will find Ballet School a warm story of a young dancer's introduction to the world of ballet. The book follows the expereinces of young ballet students from first dance classes to year-end performances, paired with color photos of the class in action. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Martha Graham (1894-1991) referred to her dancers as "acrobats of God," but in truth it was she who seemed divinely inspired. Graham was a dancer, choreographer, and teacher for more than 70 years, and during that time she changed the landscape of dance forever. An unlikely candidate for a dance diva, she was shorter and more muscular than the principal ballet dancers of her time and she didn't start dancing until age 22--a flower long past her bloom in the eyes of most choreographers. Nonetheless, Graham managed to turn the dance world on its tutu with her innovative approach to movement and teaching and her clear understanding that feelings are not always graceful, but always intense.

Russell Freedman, who won the Newbery Medal in 1988 for Lincoln: A Photobiography and Newbery Honors for The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the Airplane (1992) and Eleanor Roosevelt: A Life of Discovery (1994), has once again crafted a beautiful, intriguing biography. He traces Graham's remarkable life from a childhood filled with imaginative play, to her decision to attend dance school instead of college, through her departure from the Broadway Follies to pursue her own dance style, and onward through her late life, when she continued teaching and creating distinctive performance pieces. The fascinating biography is complemented by exquisite black-and-white photographs that reveal Graham's sense of beauty and her remarkable ability to translate pure, raw emotions into expressive movement. Freedman's lovely tribute makes us fully believe Graham when she says, "I did not choose to be a dancer, I was chosen." (Young Adult/Adult) --Brangien Davis ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Elegant Trio of Words, Pictures and Feelings
This book is a beautiful, concise study of her life. Studying Martha Graham's life is an awakening experience. Reading Graham's memoir "Blood Memory" simultaneously provides a beautiful counterpoint, knowing the subject will not observe herself in the same way as her biographer.

I dance away from this book with a definite appreciation for Graham's brilliance in creativity and willingness to navigate the many rough patches she encountered AND give such a gift to humanity at the same time.

The numbers of influential people she touched is amazing and enlightening.

I suggest this book for any creative thinker: there are applications for all of us.

The Life of a Dancer
Martha Graham: A Dancers Life by Russell Freedman, the full-length biography of Martha Graham, takes a deep look into Martha and the peole around her. She was a dancer, teacher, and choreographer who changed the world. Her life began in Pittsburg where she was born in 1894. The book also tells about the lives of her dancers, students, close friends, and lovers. The biography goes into great detail up until the day she died in 1991.
I liked this book because of all the details it gives about her life and the way it tells about all the heroic things she did. I would recommend this book to dancers and people who enjoy the things Martha did in her 97 years of life.

Gorgeous pictures; no depth
I bought this book after reading an interesting article about Martha Graham in the New Yorker about a year ago. I was attracted to the book by the beautiful photography, in evidence on the cover (and throughout the book, as I soon learned). However, I was interested in reading about Martha's "demons" and character flaws, as well as her relationships and focus on archetypal figures in dance. Unfortunately, this book is a pretty happy-go-lucky, bland account of her life. In fact, it's so bland that I would have given it three stars if the pictures in it were not so beautiful and well-suited to the descriptions given in the text.

EXCELLENT!
This is a wonderful book and story. Being a dancer myself, I am very inspired. You'll enjoy Martha's "positive" attitude and wit throughout this story of the growth of a piece of history. Please, read this book, I recommend it!

Simple, and clear...
I am a former Graham Dancer, and when I saw this book, I had some very intense emotions, it shows Martha in her best years, the pictures are beautiful, some of them are very rare to see, and if you want to see the beauty, or the drama, of that Incredible American Woman, this is the book you need to own. As a Graham Based Dance Teacher, I use this book to show some intentions in the movement, or I simply quote her, I wish you a wonderful Journey in the world of Martha Graham... ... Read more

Book Description

Born to save tap

Fuh-duh-BAP! Fuh-duh-duh-BAP! A new language, a new sound. Savion Glover has redefined tap dancing, and it can never be the same again. He speaks to the world with a power and ease that has stunned and captivated millions. This exciting biography captures that essence--often in Glover's own voice--and treats readers to an inside look at his work while also providing a brief yet compelling history of tap dancing. Reverberating with the rhythm of a unique musical language, the book includes more than 50 photographs and features an eye-catching two-color design.

"He's the greatest tap dancer to ever lace up a pair of Capezios or any other tap shoes."-- Gregory Hines in the Foreword to Savion: My Life in Tap

2001 Best Books for Young Adults (ALA)

"He's the greatest tap dancer to ever lace up a pair of Capezios or any other tap shoes."--Gregory Hines in the Foreword to Savion: My Life in Tap ... Read more

Reviews (6)

For all you tappers out there
Hello to all those tappers out there - I love all of you - Including you Savion. My name is Vaughan and I am actually Australian. My mother taught me how to tap ever since I could stand on two feet. Now, I'm 19 years old. And I'm a professional tap dancing teacher in Japan. Let me just say that I could relate a lot with what Savion was talking about. His views on tap and the way he wants it to go.

It's a fun book to read - with some great action tap shots of Savion throughout his life. The layout is very original, and very creative - it was nice to take my mind off my uni degree for a couple of hours and learn about this extremely successful tap dancer. Someone who I didn't know too much about, but now somehow believe that I've known him all my life.

It's a great art - Tap Dancing. And I wish there were people who could indulge themselves in a couple of professional / guest classes. I go around all of Japan teaching in my holidays, and I try to get as many people involved. Maybe because not many people do it, thats what makes it so unique. Thanks Savion - for following your dreams and publishing this book. It was a great read.

Your fellow Tap Dancer... Vaughan

Best book I've read for a long time
I couldn't put this book down. As a tapper, who is into hoofing and rythm tap, this book was amazing. It explains not only Savin's life and his career but how he uses his shoes to do what he does. This book brings an element of percusion into the dance world that needs to be more widely used.

His Voice Is Finally Heard
We've been hearing his wonderful rhythms for years, now we finally get to hear his voice. What a true inspiration! This book just makes you want to jump up and start moving your feet. Believe me, this book is not just for children. I used it as required reading for my advanced tap class at the local college.

Keep Rockin Savion!
Great design, photos, behind the scenes of one of the greatesttap dancers, Savion Glover! All the info on Savion in one quick read- great for all ages.

Way to Go Savion!
Thank you sir for sharing your wonderful inner world of rhythm with the world! You are an inspiration to all of us who make a living lacing up those tap shoes everyday. Your loving and pricelesss contribution to this wonderful artform are greatly appreciated and honored. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

From ballet to book
"Coppelia" is a fantasy story retold by ballerina Margot Fonteyn, with paintings by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher. The story concerns Dr. Coppelius, a European dollmaker who is also an alchemist. Coppelius creates a remarkably lifelike doll who becomes involved in an unusual love triangle.

The paintings by Johnson and Fancher are an ideal complement to this story of love and magic. The photographic reproductions of the paintings are excellent; you can actually see the texture of the paint on the canvas. The art wonderfully captures a quaint European village; the artists include such details as half-timbering and ornamental stonework on the dollmaker's house.

According to a supplemental note, ballerina/author Fonteyn actually danced in the ballet version of this story; that fact gives the book an added touch if interest.

Coppélia
Margot Fonteyn's rendition of the French ballet Coppélia is wonderful. It is the story of a young man named Franz who is enamoured by a beautiful girl who sits by the window in the house of the mysterious dollmaker, Dr. Coppélius. This of course makes his betrothed, the fiery Swanilda very displeased. However, things are not as they appear to be. The story has an excellent flow to it and the illustrations have an impressionist feel to them---one can actually see the brush strokes---and are very lovely. This book makes a great bedtime story and I highly recommend it to children who like ballet or those who have yet to discover its charm. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

For the ballet lover
Just adored this book and felt compelled to let everyone know how great it is. I think Isadora's illustrations and text were right on. I love ballet and used to dance when I was younger. I even performed so can identify with all aspects of this book. I will purchase it for any ballet dancers I know and hope it has a high profile amongst ballet lovers wherever they are!

This Is The Real Thing
I am a ballet teacher and a student gave me this book for an end of the year present. I was so enthralled by the reality of the images and words that I bought this book for my students to read in our lounge area. Everyone loves it and can identify with the settings and happenings. I think this book not only shows some real goings on in the ballet world, which is actually difficult to find, especially for children, but is delightful for all ages to look at.....over and over again. I highly recommend this book for all blooming dancers and ballet lovers as well. Thank you, Ms. Montane

No more tutus
So I'm in a bookstore, picking up yet another copy of 'Wheels on the Bus' for my toddler, when my six year old asks for a book too. I agree and she finds this one. I'm thinking that this is just a little girl ballerina book, so I buy it without, unfortunately, READING it first.

I sat down with my daughter to read it when we got home, and the farther I read, the more horrified I became. An excerpt:

"She is thin
And she is tall
And she is pretty
They've got it all

I know I'm short
I know that I'm round
But I want to dance
So I stand my ground"

*If that isn't the prelude to encouraging an eating disorder, I'll eat my hat.

Here's more:

"If you fight backstage
Go far away
The audience hears
Whatever you say"

or

"It doesn't matter
If you're the best in the room
If you don't fit
Into the costume"

*This book is for five and up?

About 25 years ago, I was in a regional ballet company. As a result, I have many concerns about very young children doing ballet on this level. This book isn't about dolly dinkle dance recitals or dreaming of tutus which is what I thought would be in this book.

No, I don't think that the woman who wrote this book meant any harm, but then again, she hasn't a clue about parental concerns and dance or she wouldn't have written the book this way. I'm sure those who 'love dance' will love this book. I used to love dance until I saw what it did to the bodies and minds of young people. There is a serious difference between enjoying dance class and this stuff. And considering that this book is for very young girls, I think that it's inappropriate fare. I think it's a bad set up for the future if they take it to heart. This isn't something that I want to normalize for my kid. However, it's a real taste of the dance world. And it reminded me as to why I'm so careful as to what sort of activities that I allow my child to get into. JMO, but if your kid is six and it isn't merely fun, they shouldn't be doing it. And no tiny tot should be in pointe shoes...

The irony is, by the time the child would be old enough to handle this stuff on a real level, they wouldn't be reading children's books.

The book is being returned. I would have given it NO stars, but that wasn't an option. ... Read more

Book Description

A Ballet Company dances ... across the pages of this sparkling picture book, inviting you behind the scenes and illuminating ballet terms from A to Z.

A Ballet Company dances ... for the very youngest of dancers as well as for ballet fans of all ages.

Reviews (2)

Perfect for Aspiring Dancers of All Ages
Author illustrator Rachel Isadora's Ballet ABC book is as magically elegant as the dance itself. Each letter introduces a ballet term. Each drawing illuminates the term in graceful pastels. Isadora once studied at the School of Ballet and danced with the Boston Ballet. Her passion for the dance lives on in her books. Don't miss the glossary after letter Z for Zipper: it helps the reader pronounce unfamiliar phrases and elaborates on word origins. For example, P for Pas de chat (pah duh SHAH) is a French phrase meaning "step of the cat." T for Tutu, a costume made of several layers of tulle, was originally an underskirt worn under heavier fabric. My preschool daughter adores this book, along with Ballerina! by Peter Sis. On Your Toes will surely win applause from your own aspiring dancer.

Beautiful Book!
This is a beautiful book! The illustrations are just gorgeous! I was concerned that it wasn't going to be muticultural but it was! The pics are too cute and the alphabet goes through smoothly and when they get to letters like Q, X and Z they clevery have appropriate words. I can't wait to get into the classroom with this one. ... Read more

Book Description

Stories to go! Children love to listen to stories. Now their favorite Dorling Kindersley children's books are available in convenient book--and--tape packages that are perfect for the car or anywhere. With more than 60 minutes of audio on each tape, these packages will be favorites of children and parents alike. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great book!
This is a lovely little book with great pictures which has really helped my daughter learn moves and draw them. The stories are well written and it's great that a currently popular ballet dancer helped with it, not one retiring and probably never heard from again. I reccomend this book for people who like ballet and the stories, it a great book to read to children!

The Five Classic Ballets - An Introduction
This is a perfect introduction for the young, serious balletstudent to THE classic ballets: The Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, Coppelia, Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. It tells the story(s) AS DANCED, an important difference for a student of dance. Ms. Bussell's personal comments and pictures ignite a young dancer's dreams of a professional career. My daughter just turned ten and the detail was appropriate for her reading and interest level. Although the read-along-feature makes it look like it's for younger readers, I think ten is the youngest age I'd recommend unless you have an EXCEPTIONAL reader who also LOVES ballet. This review is based on the book. I haven't had a chance to listen to the audio yet; it's available on cassette or CD. Amazon's price was the best... ... Read more

Book Description

Young players will refer to these instructive "how-to" guides again and again.Superguides are incisive "how-to" books that answer every question a young sports enthusiast might have! These comprehensive guides in vibrant new jackets and under the new Superguides series title are perfect for young athletes. Young Enthusiasts, the original best-selling series, sold over 3 million copies worldwide. Superguides give valuable advice on everything from suitable clothing to strategy development. Each book includes detailed information on rules, objectives, scoring, and much more. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Very Nice Book
Anyone who loves ballet or is a ballet dancer will just love this book. It provides tons of information, all that will be useful to any ballet dancer. This book was also authored by Darcey Bussel, a professional ballet dancer. I found it to be extremely helpful and useful. Some things this book includes are what to wear, how to tie pointe shoe ribbons, lots of moves, a pointe work section, famous ballets and ballet dancers, and much, much, more! This is an excellent book!

Great for beginning ballerinas!
My seven-year-old is in her second semester of ballet, but has been picked to appear in the company's Christmas presentation. She seems to be taking the lessons and rehersals seriously. I got this book because I took two years of ballet, and wanted to remember the terms and positions and share with my daughter. We both love the book -- the pictures are clear, the descriptions and short and good. I would recommend this to any young lady starting out in ballet!

A lovely, lively guide.
Another instalment in what has become the season of the ballet books. Typical DK, this is beautiful and comprehensive. The photos are crisp, the information is accurate, and the whole presentation is attractive. The author is a principal dancer with the Royal Ballet. It is nice to have the author of a ballet book be a young dancer who is currently popular, rather than one close to retirement and more unfamiliar to the beginning students who would be most interested in the book. It is difficult to explain physical activities with words, movement with photos, so this book (or any other book on ballet) won't really teach one to dance, but will help with what to expect, and perhaps perfect movements and positions learned in class. This is also the only ballet book I have ever seen that teaches one how to tie ribbons on pointe shoes. Useful addresses, index, glossary at the end. The price is certainly right, and I could find no technical flaws, other than the few photos of dancers often identified by company and/or piece, but not always the individuals. It would also have been nice to see the author's credentials listed in the beginning of the book, rather than on the outside back cover.

This is a beautiful book!
This is one of the prettiest books on ballet I've ever seen. It's very informative and gives a good description of life in the ballet. I recommend this book to anyone with a passion for dancing!!

A beautifully illustrated children's book about ballet
This book caught my eye while I passed through the children's section in the library. Perhaps my childhood fantasy of being a ballerina led me to check it out. Costumes, practice, performance, and ballet history are a few of the topics covered. There are short biographies about dancers, choreographers, and composers along with a ballet timeline and summaries of some of the more famous ballets. My favorite illustration is a full page cross section of the Met that has descriptions of all of the rooms and happenings behind the scenes. Every time I see this book, I have to pick it up and look through it. I find something new each time. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

Wow!
I take ballet as a supplement to my gymnastics training. This book is a great help, and has thourougly guided me along the way. All ballet dancers will find this book has a fantastic resource, with tons of helpful info and advice. My favorite part, like always, has to be the section with all the ballet moves. It provides detailed instructions with full-color photographs to explain each move. This book also has advice on what to wear, which ballet school is right for you, and how to sew ribbons on pointe shoes. It also includes a chapter on pointe work skills. All and all, this is a terrific book, and I think all ballet dancers will love it.

A great book for beginners
This book is great for children with a dream of being a ballet dance good for boys and girls!!!! I give it 100 stars!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

A young girl's discovery of ballet is combined with the magic of French Impressionist Edgar Degas's paintings to create a story as delicate and lovely as the ballerina herself. Drawn from the 1922 autobiography of prima ballerina Anna Pavlova, this reminiscence tells of her first trip to the ballet to see Sleeping Beauty with her mother. Her youthful words reflect the sweet wonder of the experience, as well as the gentle love between mother and child. The moment the breathless Pavlova voices her desire to dance on the stage one day, followed by her mother's response that she is "her silly little dear," is made all the more poignant by the reader's knowledge that this particular little girl's dream did come true.

Filled with the enchanting details of the ballet, and perfectly accompanied by the famous ballerina paintings of Degas, this is a book to be treasured by dancers, art lovers, and devotees of ballet alike. (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Beginning of a Dream.....
Taken from her 1922 memoirs, Pages Of My Life, dancer Anna Pavlova tells of her first experience at the ballet as a little girl. Her simple and gentle words are full of imagery and passion as she relates the wonder of watching the Sleeping Beauty ballet...the sounds of Tchaikovsky's music, the mesmerizing beauty of the dancers, and the roar of the audience. On that thrilling afternoon her love affair with dance began, and a dream commenced that set the course of her life. Ms Pavlova's lovely text is enhanced by the magic and wonder of Edgar Degas' paintings. His artwork transports the reader back to this long ago performance, and together words and art bring that day to life. Perfect for youngsters 4-8, I Dreamed I Was A Ballerina includes short biographies of both Pavlova and Degas, to complete the story, and is a masterpiece to be treasured by aspiring ballerinas and artists, everywhere.

Beautiful
Being a girl who always had a secret wish to be a ballerina, I took to this book instantly, even as an "adult." The work of Degas is outstanding, and features not only his famous ballerinas, but cityscapes and musicians as well. The story was simple but stirringly powerful. Pavlova's story melds perfectly with Degas' paintings. This book is great for all dreamers. ... Read more

Book Description

"These pictures of the students of Ballet Tech are beautiful and true. They show a new generation of American ballet dancersas varied as America." --Mikhail Baryshnikov

Through a striking combination of color and black-and-white photography, Jim Varriale takes readers inside Ballet Tech, a school where city kids ofall shapes, sizes, and backgrounds have the chance to become professional ballet dancers.

Ballet Tech is America's first public school just for ballet. It has a uniquephilosophy: to find dance talent in the New York City public-school system. Each year, more than thirty thousand elementary-school students areauditioned, and about a thousand are invited to take classes, free of charge. Jim Varriale follows the children's training from their weekly beginningclasses through the full-time schooling they receive as young adults. With quotes and candid photographs, he shows the elements that shape their new lives as dancers--barre work, toe shoes, demanding teachers, long subway rides, camaraderie, competition, performances, and, for the few with exceptional talent and perseverance, places in professional dance companies.

Like Ballet Tech itself, this book will encourage new groups of childrenfrom diverse backgrounds to love dance and to appreciate the power it hasto change lives. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Visually exciting with clear descriptive text
You can see the joy on these kids faces. And the text seems to get to the heart of what dance is all about.

An excellent new book about the training of young dancers.
In images and words, photographer Jim Varriale has captured the essence of dance -- the irresistable urge to move to music with every inch of one's being -- in Kids Dance: The Students of Ballet Tech. His photographs capture Eliot Feld's scholarship students' infectious passion; their unselfconscious delight in dance as a means of personal expression; and their willingness to embrace the discipline and study that makes "jumping for joy" on stage a very real possibility. Attractively designed, the book is very well written. Varriale's text is both simply stated and engaging, offering just enough explanation and detail to complement the magical photographs they accompany. In repose and on the move, these NYC public school children invite the reader to share their hard work and dreams. This is a new kind of "ballet" book, a collectible for all dance lovers, regardless of age. I cannot recommend it too highly. ... Read more

Book Description

The girl in red, the girl in yellow, the girl in blue, and the boy in black and white are all set to stir up the rainbow. Watch them create a living kaleidoscope, step by step by step. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wonderful way to teach kids to read names of colors.
It's appropriate for age 3 & 4 year olds to learn to read the entire book by themselves. Wonderful as a first reader! ... Read more

Book Description

Illustrated with more than fifty breathtaking color and black-and-white photographs, I Am a Dancer tells the inspiring on- and offstage story of thirteen-year-old Eva Lipman, a student at the prestigious School of American Ballet. Readers will be thrilled to follow in Eva's ballet slippers--from chubby, tutued toddler to her current career as a young ballerina in New York City. With a charming combination of beautiful photos and Eva's own words, I Am a Dancer offers a truly personal glimpse of a highly dedicated ballerina's glamorous--and sometimes not-so-glamorous--life, from the bouquets and blisters to the glare of the spotlight and the long, lonely hours of practice. A very special book for girls and ballet fans of all ages! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Perfect mix of a young girl's dream with measured reality.
Wonderful photos! This book is an enchanting blend of the stuff that a young girl's dreams are made of and the real work that it takes to make them come true. Anyone with a dream, young or old, can benefit by experiencing the one so marvelously shared in this book.

This book was an uplifting experience for a grandmother.
Jane Feldman has captured the essence of a young girl's dream. The storyline is faithful to the development of a dream. The photographs are truly beautiful. This is Central Park as we wish it would be. I am eagerly awaiting the publication of "I am a Rider". Future dreams may be "I am" an astronaut, a teacher, even a volunteer. The list is endless, and I expect to hear and see more of Jane Feldman. ... Read more

Book Description

This Level 2 book is perfect for children who are beginning to read alone.

It's the day of the big performance at Laura's ballet school. Suddenly disaster strikes! Can Laura help save the show? Longer sentences and an expanded vocabulary make this series of 48-page books slightly more challenging: Level 2 is appropriate for children who have started to read but still need help. Information boxes full of background information will stimulate inquisitive minds. These books contain between 700 and 850 words, and they are approximately 70 percent pictures and 30 percent text.The Dorling Kindersley Readers combine an enticing visual layout with high-interest, easy-to-read stories to captivate and delight young bookworms who are just getting started. Written by leading children's authors and compiled in consultation with literacy experts, these engaging books build reader confidence along with a lifelong appreciation for nonfiction, classic stories, and biographies. There is a DK Reader to interest every child at every level, from preschool to grade 4. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

For the DANCER in EVERY CHILD
My four-year-old niece is forever parading around the house, showing her fascination with the dance. When I saw this book on the library shelf, I had to share it with her.

Each photo freezes a movement that reflects the simple yet complex nature of this means of expression. Dancer Jones fluidity and flexibility is captured for all to see and marvel at his execution.

The text is simply engaging and is an inspiration to those that wish to leap across the stage.

Great for ALL dancers...
I really love to use this book for my creative movement and modern classes of all ages... It is full of wonderful photos of Bill T. Jones in different shapes and poses and expressions, with short captions about how "I am a dancer. I want to dance." Then he proceeds to show us the different ways to use our bodies to express what dance means to us. I really recommend it for your dance library.

Dance! Dance! Dance!
The first time I showed this book to my 23 month daughter, she had me read it to her 8 times. The next day, her day care teacher asked me if she had been to a dance class over the weekend. Apparently, she attempted to emulate the stretches she saw in the book. She was enthralled with the wonderful ways that Bill T.Jones moves. Indeed, she simply could not believe that a body could move that way, so she rotated the book to meet her view of reality. The photographs in this book are exquisite, and can be an inspiration to any age. ... Read more