In the midst of tough competition and authentic episodes of teenage drama, Lynn Swanson’s characters learn and demonstrate ways to get along and work together. This timeless “young adult” novel will appeal to both non-dancers and dancers alike.
Read “The Nutcracker” Any Time Of Year With Your Child
December 19, 2012 by 1 Comment
Each ballet company has its own interpretation of The Nutcracker story. Expand your collection of picture books covering this classic holiday ballet.
Dream A Little Dream – Dance Gifts For The Holidays
December 17, 2012 by 3 Comments
Catherine Tully of 4dancers.org shares six dance gifts that have made her holiday list this year. Socks, scents, and a fantastically cool photography book. Are these on your list, too?
Classic Storybook A Perfect Prelude To The Nutcracker Ballet
December 10, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Maurice Sendak illustrates this stunning hardcover version of the classic tale by E.T.A. Hoffmann. Hoffmann’s story and Sendak’s drawings are a perfect prelude to the beloved Christmas ballet.
Documenting Dance History: Two DVD Musts For Your Collection
September 4, 2012 by 1 Comment
A brief look at two documentary films that will inspire and educate your dance students. Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance and Never Stand Still: Dancing at Jacob’s Pillow are engaging, informative, essential for any dance program library, and readily available to anyone who is a fan of dance.
Add “the Cranes Dance” To Your Summer Reading List
March 20, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Gwen and Kate are sisters in the same ballet company. Gwen has left New York to be with her family in Michigan and a palpable, angry silence has developed between she and her sister, Kate. “the Crane Dance” an upcoming novel by Meg Howrey follows their personal and professional struggles with “flair, wit and honesty,” says our guest reviewer. Put this one on your summer reading list!
From Ballet to the Barnyard: Picture Books in 2011
January 3, 2012 by 1 Comment
Looking through the list of dance-related picture books that were released in the United States in 2011, three unique categories of books stand out. Picture Books & Pirouettes blogger, Kerry Aradhya looks at little ballerina characters who could give Angelina a run for her money, Spanish and Latin American dance, and books that explore the joy of movement.
Grace Makes Beauty Out Of Ugly Things
November 3, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Four years ago, a young dancer, Melinda Marchiano was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. She’s transformed her confrontation with cancer into something beautiful, documenting her path through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery in a memoir, Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery, which she published in October, 2010. Melinda talks with DA about cancer, her book, and her future plans.
Beautiful Gifts For Aspiring Dancers Who Love To Read
May 11, 2011 by 5 Comments
Looking for special and unique gift for your young dancer at recital time? These two story collections are as educational as they are beautiful. And you’ll want to take a look at the wonderful array of children’s literature Barefoot Books has to offer. Encompassing art, environmentally conscious lifestyle, global cultures, and learning tools, all are works of art.
The Surprising Connection Between Physics and Ballet
May 10, 2011 by 6 Comments
Now widely accepted and taught in university dance programs, at first Kenneth Laws’ writings connecting physics and the art of dance were accused of “reducing ballet to a science.” Learn more about Laws, his late start in dance, and his books in this introductory post on his pioneering work in the dance field.
Expand Your Library or Horizons: 13 Books on Dance and Culture
April 26, 2011 by 4 Comments
Dr. Renee Rothman, a dancer and cultural anthropologist, share 13 books that address the human meaning and experience of dancing in cultures throughout the world. Selected because they are easy for general audiences to read, these texts cover dance throughout history, Modern Dance, Jazz Dance, and Social Dance in America, Latin Dance, Middle Eastern Dance, and dance in China. Expand your dance library or your horizons with this reading list.
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