My First Ballet Book [Hardcover]

Kate Castle (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 2006 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up | Series: My First

Because every prima ballerina started at the beginning! Perfectly pitched text by expert author Kate Castle gives a practical guide to ballet, while specially commissioned photographs capture the magic of dance, from the excitement of a child's first class to the joy of dancing onstage and the wonder of watching a performance. Clear information about what to expect as a young dancer—from what to wear to how to perfect positions—is combined with an inspirational look ahead to the turns, leaps, and arabesques that build from these first steps. The book is full of hints, tips, and step-by-step instructions that will help every child make the most of his or her ballet classes.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3–Beginning with What is ballet? this book covers a different aspect of the dance on each spread, from what to wear to what goes on behind the scenes at a performance. Accurate, detailed color photos depict a group of ethnically diverse children learning the fundamentals. At the more advanced levels, an older boy and girl demonstrate jumps, arabesques, and pas de deux. With each subject there are tips, such as definitions of French words used in ballet and the criteria for being ready to dance en pointe. The succinct text and myriad photos make this an appealing guide.–Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA
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Review

School Library Journal
The succinct text and myriad photos make this an appealing guide.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Kingfisher (October 15, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0753460262
• ISBN-13: 978-0753460269
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #416,004 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #73 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Arts & Music > Performing Arts > Dance

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a very complete A to Z look at ballet for the aspiring ballet student!, August 8, 2009

By 

D. Fowler "Dragonfly77" (Vermont) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: My First Ballet Book (Hardcover)

If you want to become a prima ballerina, you have to practice for many years. Even if you don't have such lofty aspirations, dancing is lots of fun and very good exercise. Ballet is an art form that is "more than 400 years old and uses steps and movements, music, scenery, and costumes to tell a story." If you decide you would like to dance you will have to have to be committed to practice each and every day. The first thing you'll have to do is find a proper studio, a teacher who is qualified and a welcoming environment in which to dance!

In this wonderful book you will learn what ballet is, how to find a place to learn, what kind of special clothing you'll need, what accessories you'll need to bring to class, how your hair should be worn, how to wear your ballet shoes, what to expect in class, how to warm up, how to get moving, what the five basic positions are, how to stand properly at the barre, barre exercises, exercises you will learn when you "become older and stronger," things you do in center practice, how to perform petit sautés (little jumps), how to focus when spinning around, hints on how to dance with a partner, how to dance on your toes (girls only!), the importance of teamwork, how to go from rehearsal to recital, you'll get a glimpse at famous ballets and will get a behind the scenes peek.

This is a very complete A to Z look at ballet for the beginner. The majority of the photographs show young dancers in action in an actual studio. There are a few photographs of older, more experienced dancers that will get the young ballet dancer dreaming about the time they acquire better skills. There are sidebar "Top tip" sections that include things like checklists of things to bring to the studio or "Ways to turn." In the back of the book is a thorough index and glossary. This would be the perfect gift for the aspiring ballet student. Are you ready to dance?

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Introduction, February 13, 2007

By 

David Jones (Bethel Springs, TN United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: My First Ballet Book (Hardcover)

I bought this book for my six year old daughter. She was fascinated by the pictures and I found the explanation of terms helpful in communicating with her dance teacher. My one criticism would be that the book could cover additional basic material and possibly include some advice for parents of budding dancers.

Still, well worth the modest price.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An enduringly popular choice that is as engaging as it is informative., August 6, 2007

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: My First Ballet Book (Hardcover)

Expertly written by former Royal Ballet dancer Kate Castle, "My First Ballet Book: From Barres And Ballet Shoes To Plies And Performances" is effectively illustrated throughout with full color photography. This makes it an ideal introduction and guide to ballet for young readers into the wonderful, magical, thrilling world of dance. Along with seeing 'backstage', readers are provided with practical tips, step-by-step illustrations, and engaging background information that will solidly benefit aspiring young ballerinas. Very highly recommended for family, school, and community library collections, "My First Ballet Book" will prove an enduringly popular choice that is as engaging as it is informative.