Dance Me a Story: Twelve Tales from the Classic Ballets [Paperback]

Jane Rosenberg (Author, Illustrator), Merrill Ashley (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 4, 1995 | Age Level: 8 and up

“A beautiful guide. . . . The richly detailed watercolor illustrations . . . evoke the mood and atmosphere of each ballet.”—Prima Ballerina

Jane Rosenberg’s delightful retellings for children of the greatest ballets—whether the tales are read as introductions to a ballet or to relive a production already seen, art and text combine to give a clear understanding of plot, scene, and character. Young children in particular will enjoy reading the stories—or having them read—both as lovely fairy tales and to help them share in the magic of a real dramatic performance.

Here are the romantic arabesques of Giselle and the classical attitudes of The Sleeping Beauty. Sets, costumes, and lighting are re-created to give the true flavor of authentic productions and to approximate, as fully as possible, the experience of attending the ballet oneself. Illustrated in full-color throughout

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6 The plots of 12 well-known ballets are adequately told so that readers can follow the sequence of events and have an idea of the type of dance movement and music that characterize important moments. For example, Aurora, the Sleeping Beauty, spins towards her Prince and "dives fearlessly into his arms. . . ." In "Giselle" a man "leaps along a diagonal line that the Wilis have formed" to force him to dance to death. The impact of the full-page color illustrations that accompany each plot (along with smaller black-and-white artwork) is often diluted because of poor placement. The illustration of the battle between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King is placed opposite the description of the Stahlbaum party. A picture of the Moor and the Ballerina from the third scene of "Petrouchka" is placed at the end of the tale. With only three collections of ballet plots for children currently in print, this will be a useful addition for school and public library collections. Amy Kellman, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Jane Rosenberg is an author and illustrator and lives in Los Angeles.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson (April 4, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500277397
• ISBN-13: 978-0500277393
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 9.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #106,039 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #58 in Books > Arts & Photography > Performing Arts > Dance
  • #71 in Books > Children's Books > Arts, Crafts & Music > Performing Arts > Dance

More About the Author

Jane Rosenberg was born in New York City where she received a Master's degree in painting from New York University. Her love of ballet, opera, and classical music began in childhood. Her desire to introduce children to the delights of the performing arts provided the inspiration for her books. She currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Robert Porter, a writer. They have three daughters, all devoted to art and music.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Wonder of Ballet....., April 21, 2002

By 

Roz Levine - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dance Me a Story: Twelve Tales from the Classic Ballets (Paperback)

The ballet...thrilling stories set to music and told through the beauty of dance. Jane Rosenberg brings her love of the ballet, and both her writing and illustrating talents to Dance Me A Story, a marvelous collection, presented as a fascinating introduction for young and old alike. Listen to the intriguing and magical stories of Cinderella, Coppelia, Don Quixote, La Fille Mal Gardee, Firebird, Giselle, The Nutcracker, Petrouchka, Romeo and Juliet, The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, and La Sylphide. Each narrative is written in an engaging and easy to read style. The scenes are set, the action well described, and the stories easily understood. Ms Rosenberg's exquisite and detailed artwork brings the drama and grace of each dance to life on the page, and together word and art capture the imagination and send it soaring. Perfect for youngsters 10 and older, or as a read aloud for younger children, Dance Me A Story opens the door to the enchanting world of the ballet, that is sure to whet the appetite and send you on your way to the grandeur of a live performance. The orchestra tunes, the audience is seated, a hush falls over the house as the conductor raises his baton, the curtain opens, and the performance begins in all its splendor...

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The storys of classical ballet, March 28, 2001

By 

Michelle (Center Valley, PA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dance Me a Story: Twelve Tales from the Classic Ballets (Paperback)

Dance Me a Story is a fabulous book for any dance teacher to have. It features twelve tales from the classic ballets including, Cinderella, Coppelia, Don Quixote, La Fille Mal Gardee, Firebird, Giselle, The Nutcracer, Petrouchka, Romeo and Juliet, The sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake and La Sylphide. The book provides information about the music and choreograpers of these ballets and it is a fun and informative way to teach children and young adults a little bit about the history of the classical ballet.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Wonder of Ballet....., April 21, 2002

By 

Roz Levine - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dance Me a Story: Twelve Tales from the Classic Ballets (Paperback)

The ballet...thrilling stories set to music and told through the beauty of dance. Jane Rosenberg brings her love of the ballet, and both her writing and illustrating talents to Dance Me A Story, a marvelous collection, presented as a fascinating introduction for young and old alike. Listen to the intriguing and magical stories of Cinderella, Coppelia, Don Quixote, La Fille Mal Gardee, Firebird, Giselle, The Nutcracker, Petrouchka, Romeo and Juliet, The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, and La Sylphide. Each narrative is written in an engaging and easy to read style. The scenes are set, the action well described, and the stories easily understood. Ms Rosenberg's exquisite and detailed artwork brings the drama and grace of each dance to life on the page, and together word and art capture the imagination and send it soaring. Perfect for youngsters 10 and older, or as a read aloud for younger children, Dance Me A Story opens the door to the enchanting world of the ballet, that is sure to whet the appetite and send you on your way to the grandeur of a live performance. The orchestra tunes, the audience is seated, a hush falls over the house as the conductor raises his baton, the curtain opens, and the performance begins in all its splendor...