Being a Ballerina

Being a Ballerina
Author :
Publisher : University Press of Florida
Total Pages : 268
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9780813065953
ISBN-13 : 081306595X
Rating : 4/5 (53 Downloads)

Synopsis Being a Ballerina by : Gavin Larsen

Finalist, the Arts Club of Washington Marfield Prize A look inside a dancer’s world Inspiring, revealing, and deeply relatable, Being a Ballerina is a firsthand look at the realities of life as a professional ballet dancer. Through episodes from her own career, Gavin Larsen describes the forces that drive a person to study dance; the daily balance that dancers navigate between hardship and joy; and the dancer’s continual quest to discover who they are as a person and as an artist. Starting with her arrival as a young beginner at a class too advanced for her, Larsen tells how the embarrassing mistake ended up helping her learn quickly and advance rapidly. In other stories of her early teachers, training, and auditions, she explains how she gradually came to understand and achieve what she and her body were capable of. Larsen then re-creates scenes from her experiences in dance companies, from unglamorous roles to exhilarating performances. Working as a ballerina was shocking and scary at first, she says, recalling unexpected injuries, leaps of faith, and her constant struggle to operate at the level she wanted—but full of enormously rewarding moments. Larsen also reflects candidly on her difficult decision to retire at age 35. An ideal read for aspiring dancers, Larsen’s memoir will also delight experienced dance professionals and fascinate anyone who wonders what it takes to live a life dedicated to the perfection of the art form.

Ballerina of the People

Ballerina of the People
Author :
Publisher :
Total Pages : 248
Release :
ISBN-10 : UOM:39015061928233
ISBN-13 :
Rating : 4/5 (33 Downloads)

Synopsis Ballerina of the People by : Lisa Macuja

La Follia

La Follia
Author :
Publisher :
Total Pages :
Release :
ISBN-10 : 0998978825
ISBN-13 : 9780998978826
Rating : 4/5 (25 Downloads)

Synopsis La Follia by : Joanna Marsh

Ballerina!

Ballerina!
Author :
Publisher : Harper Collins
Total Pages : 38
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9780688179441
ISBN-13 : 0688179444
Rating : 4/5 (41 Downloads)

Synopsis Ballerina! by : Peter Sis

Do you love to dance? If so, this is the book for you! Twist! Stretch! Reach! Leap! Be a swan! Be a tiger! Be a flame! Be a ballerina!

Bunheads

Bunheads
Author :
Publisher : Penguin
Total Pages : 34
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9780399547645
ISBN-13 : 0399547649
Rating : 4/5 (45 Downloads)

Synopsis Bunheads by : Misty Copeland

Instant New York Times bestselling series opener inspired by prima ballerina and author Misty Copeland's own early experiences in ballet. From prima ballerina and New York Times bestselling author Misty Copeland comes the story of a young Misty, who discovers her love of dance through the ballet Coppélia--a story about a toymaker who devises a villainous plan to bring a doll to life. Misty is so captivated by the tale and its heroine, Swanilda, she decides to audition for the role. But she's never danced ballet before; in fact, this is the very first day of her very first dance class! Though Misty is excited, she's also nervous. But as she learns from her fellow bunheads, she makes wonderful friends who encourage her to do her very best. Misty's nerves quickly fall away, and with a little teamwork, the bunheads put on a show to remember. Featuring the stunning artwork of newcomer Setor Fiadzigbey, Bunheads is an inspiring tale for anyone looking for the courage to try something new.

Maria Tallchief

Maria Tallchief
Author :
Publisher : Macmillan + ORM
Total Pages : 439
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9781627797153
ISBN-13 : 1627797157
Rating : 4/5 (53 Downloads)

Synopsis Maria Tallchief by : Maria Tallchief

Read the story of the legendary ballerina who now adorns a $1 coin and a US quarter! A fascinating self-portrait of the fairy-tale life of a woman who understood that a committed talent could transform the world around her. "Maria Tallchief and American ballet came of age in the same moment.... Her story will always be the story of ballet conquering America. It was and is an American romance."-Arlene Croce, The New Yorker

The Ballet Companion

The Ballet Companion
Author :
Publisher : Simon and Schuster
Total Pages : 362
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9781416595717
ISBN-13 : 1416595716
Rating : 4/5 (17 Downloads)

Synopsis The Ballet Companion by : Eliza Gaynor Minden

A New Classic for Today's Dancer The Ballet Companion is a fresh, comprehensive, and thoroughly up-to-date reference book for the dancer. With 150 stunning photographs of ballet stars Maria Riccetto and Benjamin Millepied demonstrating perfect execution of positions and steps, this elegant volume brims with everything today's dance student needs, including: Practical advice for getting started, such as selecting a school, making the most of class, and studio etiquette Explanations of ballet fundamentals and major training systems An illustrated guide through ballet class -- warm-up, barre, and center floor Guidelines for safe, healthy dancing through a sensible diet, injury prevention, and cross-training with yoga and Pilates Descriptions of must-see ballets and glossaries of dance, music, and theater terms Along the way you'll find technique secrets from stars of American Ballet Theatre, lavishly illustrated sidebars on ballet history, and tips on everything from styling a ballet bun to stage makeup to performing the perfect pirouette. Whether a budding ballerina, serious student, or adult returning to ballet, dancers will find a lively mix of ballet's time-honored traditions and essential new information.

Cantique

Cantique
Author :
Publisher :
Total Pages : 273
Release :
ISBN-10 : 0998978809
ISBN-13 : 9780998978802
Rating : 4/5 (09 Downloads)

Synopsis Cantique by : Joanna Marsh

After discovering sheet music from a long-lost production of Song of Solomon, novice dancer Colette Larsen is thrust into the elite world of professional ballet. Sparks fly when she meets James Brennan, the fun-loving soloist tasked with choreographing a new pas de deux to the music, but Colette is forced to watch from the sidelines as he rehearses with the company's prima ballerina. As Colette's relationship with James deepens, so does her need to find the purpose beneath her latent passion for dance-a purpose that manifests in new friendships, rediscovered talents, and in the pages of Song of Solomon. Humorous and heartfelt, this debut novel reveals a lighter side to ballet that resonates with dancers and non-dancers alike. Cantique's heroine is witty, whimsical, and highly relatable as she navigates love and dance in the midst of a quarter-life crisis. What readers are saying: "The novel is more than a simple love story... It's a journey of self-discovery and a tale that reminds us to pursue our passions... Cantique is suitable for a broad range of readers, young adult and up, dancers and non-dancers. Certainly many adult dancers, much like my own students, could see themselves in Colette's story." - Leigh Purtill, Dance Advantage "I don't think I've ever related more to a protagonist. Love the story, love the message, love the characters, love the writing. Love it all." - Hannah, Overland Park, KS "There were so many moments where the main character experiences or feels things that I have literally experienced or felt in my ballet journey... It just felt good to read this, and I think adult ballerinas in particular will find this very satisfying." - Jana Carson, Ballerinas by Night "The plot is unique, engaging, and extremely well structured... I found the overall story of Colette discovering the music and bringing it to life very compelling. A lovely mixture of art, history, and her self-discovery." - Megan Records, New Jersey "It's romantic and funny and moving... grounded in reality but still has a little bit of that fairytale that we are all looking for when we pick up a book." - Emilie B., Kansas City, MO

The Dancing Mouse Ballerina

The Dancing Mouse Ballerina
Author :
Publisher : AQEEL AHMED
Total Pages : 61
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9781998810628
ISBN-13 : 1998810623
Rating : 4/5 (28 Downloads)

Synopsis The Dancing Mouse Ballerina by : AQEEL AHMED

Summary of this story: Mia, the dancing mouse ballerina, set out on an amazing journey in a beautiful field. She followed her love for ballet with dreams as big as her heart and as elegant as her whiskers. Along the way, she defied expectations and inspired a lot of other dreamers. Mia came from a poor background, but her ability and drive led her into the world of dance. She got better at what she could do and became a symbol of grace and style with the help of kind teachers and the love of her meadow friends. People were blown away by Mia's acts because of how brilliant and passionate she was. As her fame grew, Mia's impact grew outside of the stage. She started a dance school in the grass, helping people who wanted to become dancers and building a community that helped each other and worked together. The field became a place where people could get ideas and be creative, where dreams could grow, and people could be themselves. Every year, the meadow held huge parties in Mia's honor, and dancers came from all over the world to take part. Animals of all kinds showed off their skills and told stories about their own crazy adventures at the events, which became a tribute to the power of dreams. Mia's story was woven into the very structure of the meadow. Everyone who heard her story was inspired to go after their goals, no matter how big or hard they might seem. Mia's spirit was welcomed by the meadow, which turned into a safe place for dreamers looking for comfort, inspiration, and the courage to follow their dreams. Mia's body got smaller over time, but her energy kept dancing in the meadow. The field stayed a place of hope, where dreams took flight and hopes grew. Many different kinds of animals were happy with their own dances, which made a colorful tapestry of togetherness and self-expression. The story of Mia, the dancing mouse ballerina, and how beautiful the field was spread far and wide. People from all over the world went there to find motivation and a glimpse of the magic of dreams. The meadow whispered its ancient wisdom, calling dreamers to take their own amazing trips and believe in the endless possibilities that lie ahead. So, Mia's story was heard all over the meadow, and it reminded everyone who heard it that ideas could change people's lives and shape their futures. Dreams kept growing in the meadow's everlasting embrace, and Mia's soul kept dancing, encouraging dreamers to believe in themselves and accept the magic that was already inside them. This is how the story starts: Once upon a time, Mia, a small mouse, lived in a nice little field. Mia was not like most mice. Her dream was as big as her heart and as fine as the hairs on her face. She wanted to be a ballerina, which is the most beautiful and elegant type of dancer in the world. Mia was interested from the moment her little feet touched the smooth wooden floor of the attic, where she secretly watched Emily, a human girl, do ballet moves. As the song floated through the air, Emily's beautiful dance moves took Mia to a world of beauty and magic. Mia would sit still with her eyes wide open as Emily jumped and spun around the room. It looked like magic had gone through her body, making her look like she had no weight and was made of air. Mia couldn't help but picture herself dancing smoothly and gracefully on that stage. People with Mia in the field thought she was crazy. "Mice don't dance, Mia," said Sammy the squirrel, shaking his head. "Like the rest of us, you should just stick to nibbling on nuts." Mia couldn't lie to herself about how hot she felt. Her burning desire to become a dancer would not go away. So, she worked on her steps and pirouettes every chance she got. Mia would stand on her tiptoes with her little feet pointed and gracefully poised. She did this with determination and hard work. She found out that dancing came naturally to her. She moved easily and gracefully, as if she had always wanted to dance. But it wasn't easy for her to follow her dream. Mia ran into many problems along the way. Her place of inspiration, the attic, became harder and harder to get to as people closed it off. Mia had to come up with new ways to watch and learn. Every night, Mia, a curious little mouse, went on a secret trip that filled her heart with wonder. She would sneak into the attic of a nearby house when everyone else was sleeping, drawn in by the beautiful music and ghostly movements coming from inside. In the stillness and quiet of the attic, Mia would see something very magical: Emily, a human girl, practicing her dance steps. When Mia saw Emily jump and spin across the room, her little eyes would get very big. It was like a dream had come true right in front of Mia's eyes. Mia's mind was blown by Emily's dance, which had soft, flowing moves and a mysterious beauty. From the first time she saw dance, Mia was amazed by how beautiful and interesting it was. She wanted to be a part of that world, to feel the thrill of dancing, and to be able to show herself through movement. Mia had found the person she was meant to be with, and nothing could stop the fire that burned inside her. Every night, Mia went back upstairs, where she hid in the dark and watched Emily's every move. Emily's body seemed to float through the air, and she noticed how gracefully she moved her arms and how determined she looked. Mia practiced every step, jump, and turn until she knew them all by heart. As Mia watched, she tried to copy the moves in her own small way. She would sway to a tune in her head, testing her balance and rhythm. She worked harder and harder to become a ballet dancer so she could share Emily's joy of dancing. Mia's friends in the field couldn't understand why she was so set on becoming a dancer. They couldn't imagine a mouse floating smoothly across the floor because they already had ideas about what was possible. Sammy the squirrel, who was known for being very real, couldn't believe what he was seeing. "Mice don't dance, Mia," he would say, shaking his head to put an end to her dreams. "You should stick to eating nuts like the rest of us; it's the most logical thing to do." But Mia didn't let their suspicion get her down. She learned that other people's expectations didn't have to stop her from following her dreams. She knew in her heart that she was good at dancing and loved it so much that she couldn't stop. Instead of giving in to doubt, Mia put her energy into hours of devoted practice. She would find a place in the meadow where she was alone where she could walk easily and try out her elegant moves. With each day that went by, her steps got better, and her pirouettes got easier to control. Mia has a clear talent for dancing. Her small body moved gracefully and elegantly, capturing the spirit of the art form. Her sharp, agile paws disproved what her friends thought about her and showed them what she was really capable of. The animals in the field couldn't help but watch as Mia kept getting better at her trade. They watched in amazement as she walked on her toes with ease. Her actions showed a passion that seemed beyond their understanding. Over time, their mistrust turned into respect. Lila, a smart ladybug with a big love for the arts, was the first to notice Mia's talent. One day, she came up to Mia as she was working out in the field. Her wings were shining in the sun. "I've seen how hard you work and how good you are at dancing, Mia," she said softly. "Have you ever thought about sharing your talent with more people?" Mia's eyes got bigger, and she looked surprised and excited at the same time. She was excited about the idea of showing off her skills outside of the field. She saw herself on a big stage, mesmerizing people with her unique talent. Lila helped Mia take the first steps toward her goals by encouraging her. Lila took her to a nearby community theater known for helping people who want to be artists. They saw how talented Mia was and asked her to be in their next show. As Mia took her first steps onto the stage, her heart was racing with joy. Everyone in the room was watching the tiny mouse that dared to do something different. As soon as the music started, Mia's movements opened up like a delicate flower. Each step told a story of hard work and desire. Mia's friends from the meadow watched her dance, and their hearts were full of amazement, joy, and a new understanding. They saw that Mia's path wasn't about showing them wrong. Instead, it was about her realizing her own potential and going beyond what society expected of her. When Mia took her last bow, the crowd went crazy with excitement. The animals in the field jumped up and cheered, which could be heard all around. Mia was filled with love for her friends, who had been there for her even when they didn't understand her dreams. From that point on, Mia's ability gave her a reason to keep going. Her shows kept bringing in big groups, and everyone who saw her graceful moves was amazed and happy. She danced not only for herself, but also for those who dared to dream beyond the bounds set by others. Mia's story became a way to show how important it is to let go of old ideas and follow your passion, no matter how strange it may seem. Her path encouraged others to be proud of their unique skills and work hard to reach their goals. Mia's amazing skill quickly got around, and famous dancers and directors heard about it. They couldn't believe a mouse could dance with such ease and beauty, and they wished they could see it for themselves. Invitations came in from well-known dance groups and places all over the world. People came in droves to see Mia perform because her name became known for being brave and creative. She became a symbol of breaking through barriers and going against what people thought was possible. She showed that ability and enthusiasm had no limits. As Mia moved from stage to stage, she met other dancers who were amazed by how brave she was and how much she trusted herself. They understood how important her story was and how much of an impact she had on others. They made a group of artists who liked the beauty of different ideas and celebrated differences. Children were also moved by Mia's story because they could see themselves in it. Even though society told them they couldn't, they understood they could go after what they wanted. Mia's story became a bedtime story that parents told to their children, giving them hope and a sense of possibility. Mia finally realized that her job was bigger than the stage. She wanted to give people chances to learn about and improve their own skills. With the help of her new dancing community, Mia set up a charity that gave grants and tools to young artists from all walks of life. Mia and her team made sure that all kids, no matter where they came from, had a chance to learn about dance through workshops, mentoring programs, and outreach projects. They helped kids be creative, let them express themselves, and gave them courage. Mia had an effect on more than just dance. Her story inspired people from all walks of life to question the limits that were put on them. They were told to follow their interests, no matter how strange they might be. Mia's story became a symbol of going against social rules, which inspired people to live in an honest way and accept who they really are. The things that Mia left behind got better as time went on. She danced as enthusiastically as a little rat in the attic. Not only was she known for her technical skills, but also for the inner depth and honesty she brought to every move. Mia's friends in the meadow were happy to see how famous she was becoming. They had learned that it was important to believe in each other's dreams, even if they didn't understand them fully. Mia was recognized because she was a great example of the strength of the human spirit and the power of faith. But Mia knew that her dreams were not like those of most people. Mice were not meant to dance, and the world outside the attic was big and scary. Still, Mia was firm in her decision. She thought that if she worked hard enough, she could overcome any obstacle. Mia did her training in the safety of her small field during the day, when everyone else was awake. She would find a soft patch of grass and use it as her own dance floor. She got better at what she could do with each careful step and soft turn, capturing the spirit of dance that had always interested her. Mia's friends in the field often questioned what she wanted to do. "Mice don't dance, Mia," they would say with a hint of doubt. Mia, on the other hand, didn't care about what they were worried about. She knew that no one else could share her dreams, and she wasn't going to let anyone bring her down. As the years went by, Mia's dedication to her trade grew. She became more daring and started looking for ways to see the world outside of the meadow. This was driven by her strong desire to be a dancer. Mia sneaked into a nearby town and looked through the streets and alleys for dance schools and places to perform. Mia was going farther than she ever had before when she saw a sign that said, "School of Dance." When she looked in the window, her heart jumped with joy. Inside, she saw a group of people who wanted to dance move with ease and perfection. Mia saw that she had found her chance. She promised to get into the School of Dance, learn from the masters, and show the rest of the world her own unique style. She started planning with a strong sense of purpose. Midnight was when Mia would sneak into the dance school. She would pay close attention to the classes and learn from the dancers' skills and energy. Mia knew that her size and species would make things hard, but she didn't let that stop her.

Joan Myers Brown and the Audacious Hope of the Black Ballerina

Joan Myers Brown and the Audacious Hope of the Black Ballerina
Author :
Publisher : Springer
Total Pages : 413
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9781137512352
ISBN-13 : 1137512350
Rating : 4/5 (52 Downloads)

Synopsis Joan Myers Brown and the Audacious Hope of the Black Ballerina by : Brenda Dixon Gottschild

Founder of the Philadelphia Dance Company (PHILADANCO) and the Philadelphia School of Dance Arts, Joan Myers Brown's personal and professional histories reflect the hardships as well as the advances of African-Americans in the artistic and social developments of the second half of the twentieth and the early twenty-first centuries.