Ballet Spectacular: A Children's Guide to Ballet and an Insight Into a Magical World

by Lisa Miles

This enchantingly beautiful book is the perfect reference volume for children who love ballet. Featuring stunning full-color photos from The Royal Ballet's own collections and informative, fact-filled entries, it covers all things dance! Inside, young readers will be captivated by:

A history of ballet through the centuriesAn overview of basic ballet steps, music, and choreographyA look inside The Royal Ballet and The Royal Ballet SchoolDetails about shoes, tutus, accessories, costumes, and moreMost intriguing to passionate young lovers of dance will be the exploration of a day in the life of a professional ballet dancer, images of beloved performers such as Margot Fonteyn, Darcey Bussell, and Carlos Acosta, detailed close-ups of costumes, and photos from iconic performances of The Royal Ballet. More than 160 color and black & white images throughout.

Genres: Childrens, Nonfiction

79 pages, Hardcover

First published October 9, 2014

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an introduction to ballet, aimed at children in perhaps the higher grades of elementary school. Ergo, the prose is rather simple and clear, describing various ballet positions, moves, and ideals. The book moves through the basics of ballet into the plots of some famous ballets and discussions of everything from stage makeup and costumes to famous ballerinas. The pictures are particularly striking, taken at the Royal Ballet. They're really gorgeous and I could look at them all day. You might just want to flip through this book and look at the images, particularly if you know a lot about ballet or just aren't that interested.

[Sydney Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not necessarily a children’s book. A bit wordy. Maybe for 13 & up. Great intro to everything Ballet. Gives insight on beginner ballet, performances, the history, ballet tools & equipment, famous ballet dancers, companies, & productions. Gives samples of what it’s like to be a ballerina and how to become one. Good intro.

[Sherry Scheline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is stunning. The artistry is incredible. The detail is fabulous.

[carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grades 3-9

This enchantingly beautiful book is the perfect reference volume for children who love ballet. Featuring stunning full-color photos from The Royal Ballet's own collections and informative, fact-filled entries, it covers all things dance! Inside, young readers will be captivated by:
•A history of ballet through the centuries
•An overview of basic ballet steps, music, and choreography
•A look inside The Royal Ballet and The Royal Ballet School
•Details about shoes, tutus, accessories, costumes, and more

Most intriguing to passionate young lovers of dance will be the exploration of a day in the life of a professional ballet dancer, images of beloved performers such as Margot Fonteyn, Darcey Bussell, and Carlos Acosta, detailed close-ups of costumes, and photos from iconic performances of The Royal Ballet.

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book. We actually never read the whole thing, but it doesn't seem meant to be read cover to cover. Instead, it's a young person's introduction to all the aspects of the ballet world, including choreography, music, costumes, and the storylines of many famous ballets. My six-year-old son was especially interested in reading the story synopses, and all three kids liked looking through at the many photographs from ballets and ballet preparations. The only real criticism I have is that it's written with the Royal Ballet as what seems like the only source of stories and photos--it's not really a flaw, just a matter of scope, but it's good to point out that different ballet companies and choreographers will approach some of the aspects differently.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a big favorite i loved loved loved this book. for anyone who loves ballet this is a great book it even had me reading raven girl because i found out that the story was turned into a ballet. the book tells you about ballet styles, what dancers wear different ballets ect... for anyone who wants to know what being a ballerina is really all about i can't say enough on how wonderful this book is

[Sharie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book about ballet. The pictures are outstanding. The detail about the concept, facets and life of ballet are spot on.

Unfortunately, no women of dark skin are represented in this book. Ballet remains a glass ceiling career for dark-skinned women and this book perpetuates the fact. I wish it gave young dark-skinned girls a better sense of hope by honoring a darker woman at least somewhere. (Two dark-skinned men are depicted, but only one in a major role.)

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an AMAZING resource for anyone who is interested in Ballet. Even the pictures alone are mesmerizing! From classes to the history of Ballet to famous dances, this book covers extensive detail of the art of Ballet. Beautifully made, and highly recommended to anyone with interest in or love for ballet.

[Libby In Libraryland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beatrice loves this because it describes many professional details in the world of The Royal Ballet. The costumes are so cool.

[Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous book.