Prima Princessa Ballet for Beginners
Grade 4–8—The education of a dancer's body and mind is a long and complicated process, and this book tells that story with a lighthearted grace and brio. Movement class is often the first step for the youngest aspiring dancer, and moving to music is introduced in a relaxed, fun setting. Full-color photographs of girls twirling and leaping in all kinds of costumes capture their unbridled exuberance. Advancing to a real dance class in black leotard and pink tights is the next step. This learning process is described in the narrative and illustrated in crisp photographs of students at the New York City Ballet's School of American Ballet. The chapters progress through the complexity of technique and include a boys' class and a partnering lesson. Colorful cartoon ballerinas are highlighted throughout. Terms such as "musicality," "turnout," and "corps de ballet" are introduced in the text, bolded for emphasis, and defined in the glossary. A one-page index refers readers to the glossary definition as well as the illustrative page. A lovely look at the athletic basis of the often-ethereal beauty of ballet.—Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA(c) Copyright 2010.  Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.  No redistribution permitted.