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Brave Ballerina: The Story of Janet Collins
A lyrical picture book biography of Janet Collins, the first African American principal dancer at the Metropolitan Opera House.
Janet Collins wanted to be a ballerina in the 1930s and 40s, a time when racial segregation was widespread in the United States. Janet pursued dance with a passion, despite being rejected from discriminatory dance schools. When she was accepted into the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo as a teenager on the condition that she paint her skin white for performances, Janet refused. She continued to go after her dreams, never compromising her values along the way. From her early childhood lessons to the height of her success as the first African American prima ballerina in the Metropolitan Opera, Brave Ballerina is the story of a remarkable pioneer as told by Michelle Meadows, with fantastic illustrations from Ebony Glenn.
Janet Collins wanted to be a ballerina in the 1930s and 40s, a time when racial segregation was widespread in the United States. Janet pursued dance with a passion, despite being rejected from discriminatory dance schools. When she was accepted into the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo as a teenager on the condition that she paint her skin white for performances, Janet refused. She continued to go after her dreams, never compromising her values along the way. From her early childhood lessons to the height of her success as the first African American prima ballerina in the Metropolitan Opera, Brave Ballerina is the story of a remarkable pioneer as told by Michelle Meadows, with fantastic illustrations from Ebony Glenn.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 8, 2019
6 people are currently reading
1225 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Meadows
26 books81 followersMichelle Meadows is the author of many acclaimed books for children, including MOON GIRL AND DEVIL DINOSAUR: One Girl Can Make a Difference, MAXIE WIZ AND HER DRAGON, HOW TO LOVE A PONY, FLYING HIGH: The Story of Gymnastics Champion Simone Biles and BRAVE BALLERINA: The Story of Janet Collins. Michelle also contributed research and writing to BLACK BALLERINAS: My Journey to Our Legacy by Misty Copeland. Michelle graduated from Syracuse University with a dual degree in journalism and literature. She is represented by literary agent Rosemary Stimola of the Stimola Literary Studio. Michelle grew up in Washington D.C. and now lives near the beach in Delaware with her husband.
Website: www.michellemeadows.com
Website: www.michellemeadows.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
February 19, 2019
Another brave new soul I’m able to learn about through a children’s book. This is a beginning book told in rhyme with lovely soft illustrations.
Janet Collins was a Prima Ballerina in 1951 when it was difficult for people of color to attend classes for learning her art. She persevered and found teachers who could see her innate talent. One school told her she could study there if she were willing to paint her skin white. Wow, that is incredible how warped that is. This was one brave soul. She is an inspiration.
My niece loves dancing and she was very interested in this book. She gave it 4 stars. I would love to see her take dancing, but she doesn’t like giving up her free time. I didn’t even read this to the nephew.
Janet Collins was a Prima Ballerina in 1951 when it was difficult for people of color to attend classes for learning her art. She persevered and found teachers who could see her innate talent. One school told her she could study there if she were willing to paint her skin white. Wow, that is incredible how warped that is. This was one brave soul. She is an inspiration.
My niece loves dancing and she was very interested in this book. She gave it 4 stars. I would love to see her take dancing, but she doesn’t like giving up her free time. I didn’t even read this to the nephew.
March 26, 2019
Lyrically told story with lovely illustrations about inspirational and talented ballerina, Janet Collins, first African American principal dancer at the Metropolitan Opera House. I enjoyed reading it and I appreciated learning more about Collins, though I did feel the text was too sparse on some important details that only the Author's Note filled in (this appears to be an unfortunate trend in picture book biographies these days, or maybe it's just the ones I've been reading lately). Adults reading this should start with the biographical information in the back, then read the story, IMO. And they will probably need to fill in a few details to the younger readers who may not like to sit through the whole bio in the back.
February 7, 2019
Beautiful Janet Collins simply wanted to dance. She wore the right costumes, performed the right pirouettes, and tied her ballet shoes as she should. She danced to her heart's delight, even when others told her she shouldn't because of her race.
But, despite it all, through her hard work, in 1951, she became a prima ballerina.
This story's splendid illustrations and wistful rhymes live to tell her story to children, dancer and non-dancer alike, about what dreams are made of and how one can see them come true.
A wonderful addition to school and personal libraries, I give this book a 5/5.
But, despite it all, through her hard work, in 1951, she became a prima ballerina.
This story's splendid illustrations and wistful rhymes live to tell her story to children, dancer and non-dancer alike, about what dreams are made of and how one can see them come true.
A wonderful addition to school and personal libraries, I give this book a 5/5.
January 31, 2019
Everything about this book is beautiful, from the lyrical text to the soft, rounded illustrations to Janet Collins herself.
January 31, 2019
Janet Collins loves ballet but where is her place as a black dancer in 1950?
September 30, 2019
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is Brave Ballerina: The Story Of Janet Collins, written by Michelle Meadows and illustrated by Ebony Glenn, the true story of the remarkable dancer who became the Metropolitan Opera’s first black prima ballerina in 1951.
Born in 1917 in New Orleans, Janet Collins found a passion for dance at an early age. Her tradesmen parents paid for her ballet lessons by making costumes for recitals, and Janet worked hard to improve her craft each day. Yet despite her obvious talent, each ballet academy turned her away at the door, refusing to accept a black student. Continuing to train, mastering new styles and learning from any instructor who would teach her, Janet was finally accepted to a ballet company – only to be told that she would need to paint her skin white to match the other dancers. Janet refused, continuing to work and train and perform where she could until finally, a company saw her skill and talent. Earning her place as prima ballerina at the Met in 1951, Janet Collins was able to step out on stage as herself and do what she was born to – dance.
Powerful. I admit to never having heard Collins’ story before, and it’s a testament to Meadows’s rhyming text and Glenn’s artwork that, by the time the story was through, the reader feels as though they have joined Collins in her journey. The passion for dance bursts from her face and form in each illustration of her in motion; the frustration and shame of the prejudice leveled against her is palpable; the glorious final spread of her beaming onstage before a cheering audience is triumphant. The text is succinct enough to keep the story moving at a brisk pace, yet never glosses over or rushes – each beat feels important and necessary. A beautiful story of perseverance, determination, and pride, and we loved it. Baby Bookworm approved.
(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
January 13, 2019
We enjoyed learning about how nothing, not even awful racial segregation could stop Janet Collins from doing what she loved most: DANCING.
This is such an important book for all the little girls and boys out there dreaming big about dancing and performing on stages one day.
As an adult, I find that the writing style doesn't work for me, but my daughter didn't seem to mind, so we enjoyed reading the book as a family.
This is such an important book for all the little girls and boys out there dreaming big about dancing and performing on stages one day.
As an adult, I find that the writing style doesn't work for me, but my daughter didn't seem to mind, so we enjoyed reading the book as a family.
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March 24, 2021Oh wow, Ebony Glenn's illustrations are gorgeous here, and the way her vignettes show Collins aging and perfecting her skills is just *chef's kiss*
The poem had some issues with meter that are bothering me.
The poem had some issues with meter that are bothering me.
November 7, 2018
I read an ARC of this. The artwork is beautiful and the lyrical writing is phenomenal! All around its a fantastic story for kids and adults alike.
November 16, 2018
I’m a sucker for anything ballet related. Like the simplicity of the rhyming text and the chance to learn about a ballerina who worked hard to make her dreams come true. From advance reader copy.
September 8, 2019
A lovely, poetic tribute to the perseverance & talent of one of the first Black prima ballerinas. Beautifully illustrated.
May 19, 2019
Even before Raven Wilkinson, Misty Copeland, and other dancers of color, there was Janet Collins. Janet's story unfold in rhyming verse beginning with her childhood in New Orleans, where her mother made costumes to pay for her ballet lessons. Supported by her family, Janet became part of a popular trio of daredevil dancers billed as Three Shades of Brown. Later, while still in her teens, Janet would audition for the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, where her dancing skills were welcome but only if she would agree to lighten her skin. Not willing to do that, Janet eventually found a ballet class that welcomed her for who she was. With hard work and dedication, Janet became the first African American prima ballerina in 1951, dancing for the Metropolitan Opera. The rhyme, which echoes "The House that Jack Built" never loses it rhythm, seems to pare Janet Collins's accomplishments down a little too simply, but there is a detailed Author's Note that fills in the blanks. The soft, spare illustrations, created with Adobe Photoshop, also add to this biography, capturing the gentle ballet dance movements of this remarkable dancer and inspiring trailblazer. Back matter also includes resources for further exploration, and three websites relating to Janet Collins in particular and ballet in general.
February 12, 2019
This biographical picture book shares the story of Janet Collins, the first African-American principal dancer at the Metropolitan Opera House. Growing up in the 1930s, Collins ran into segregation and racism as she followed her dream to be a dancer. Though she was excluded from some dance schools and also asked to lighten her skin, she found her way to a school that accepted her thanks to her immense work ethic and talent. Collins became a principal dancer in 1951 after being noticed by the ballet master from the Met when he saw her perform.
Meadows has written a picture book biography that reads like a story book. She uses a repetitive structure that echoes that of folklore tales to make the book very readable and approachable for young children. Each new stanza in the book starts with “This is…” and shows a point in Collins’ life. Within each stanza there are also rhyming couplets that add to the spirit of the book. The structure works to make a book that shares aloud well and invites readers fully into this historical tale.
The illustrations by Glenn are digitally rendered. They range from dramatic images of Collins on stage or streetcars at night to more ethereal images of dancers and times with her family. The illustrations place the story firmly in mid-century America.
A well-written nonfiction picture book that tells the story of one remarkable artist. Appropriate for ages 3-6.
Meadows has written a picture book biography that reads like a story book. She uses a repetitive structure that echoes that of folklore tales to make the book very readable and approachable for young children. Each new stanza in the book starts with “This is…” and shows a point in Collins’ life. Within each stanza there are also rhyming couplets that add to the spirit of the book. The structure works to make a book that shares aloud well and invites readers fully into this historical tale.
The illustrations by Glenn are digitally rendered. They range from dramatic images of Collins on stage or streetcars at night to more ethereal images of dancers and times with her family. The illustrations place the story firmly in mid-century America.
A well-written nonfiction picture book that tells the story of one remarkable artist. Appropriate for ages 3-6.
January 24, 2020
I just don't love rhyming picture book biographies. A rhyming picture book is already a hard thing to do well...for every great one there are a dozen or more that are cringeworthy...and then when you are talking about a real person's life that is a hard thing to put in rhyme. This one actually does better than most...there is some good information here and the pictures are really great. I could see this being a good jumping off point for a discussion, particularly with a very young child like 3 or 4, especially if s/he loved ballet. But I wonder how much better this could have been if it didn't have to stick to a very simplistic rhyme scheme. My own kid got bored.
June 13, 2019
A lyrical picture book biography of Janet Collins, the first African American principal dancer at the Metropolitan Opera House. An inspiring story filled with stunning illustrations that draw the reading into the story. Follow Janet's story from a young girl who wasn't allowed to attend dance school simply because of race. However, she was able to overcome this heartache and become a prima ballerina.
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September 6, 2019This fantastic book uses rhythmic, rhyming text to describe the childhood and early adulthood of prima ballerina Janet Collins. Turned away again and again by dance schools that would not accept African American students, Collins never gave up and eventually made it to the big stage as a prima ballerina in 1951. This is a great picture book biography to add to your collection. Pair with A DANCE LIKE STARLIGHT for another bio of Janet Collins or FIREBIRD by Misty Copeland.
June 27, 2019
Easy to read as a story time, love the pictures and prose.
March 12, 2020
Simple and well written, but I would have preferred more information on her.
March 5, 2019
Beautiful illustrations, beautiful story, beautifully written. My 5-year-old and I both enjoyed it. I particularly appreciated that the racism and discrimination faced by Janet Collins was addressed head on in a way that’s very age appropriate for 3- to 6-year-olds. The poetic text leaves lots of room for conversation.
March 5, 2019
Lyrical yet simple text suitable for preschoolers and emerging readers, lovely illustrations, thoughtfully included sources and back matter
February 8, 2019
This should have been a 5 star. Good subject matter, beautiful artwork. But the person's name never appears in the story!!! No names do! Her name is on the cover. Her name is in the Author's Note page in the back that you get in all biographical children's books. But the main story is: "This is the girl who danced in the breeze." "This is the teacher who stood by her side?" How do you write a biography without names?
February 8, 2019
Lovely, lovely story of a dancer (who, quite honestly, I'd never heard of) who persisted until race barriers were broken down.
January 30, 2019
The writing is just okay, but the story and illustrations are wonderful. I'm going to look for more of Ebony Glenn's illustrations.
January 25, 2019
Wonderful!
January 21, 2019
An excellently drawn and written book. Very accessible for younger kids.
January 17, 2019
Janet Collins loved to dance, was rejected more than once because of the color of her skin, but she always pursued a path and succeeded every time. Told in verse, with an author's note, source notes, and an additional websites list. The illustrator shows the passage of years, the ups and downs with interesting and beautiful choices of setting that include the characters' supporters, naysayers and experiences.
January 16, 2019
A beautifully illustrated story of Janet Collins first black prima ballerina. Wonderful story.
January 13, 2019
Lovely minimalist text that conveys so much. Illustrations that pair perfectly, enhancing the story, and also capture a dancers movements.
August 11, 2020
Brave Ballerina: The Story of Janet Collins is a biographical children's picture book written by Michelle Meadows and illustrated by Ebony Glenn. This ode to dancer Janet Collins showcases her diverse talents as well as her achievements.
Janet Collins was an African American ballet dancer, choreographer, and teacher. She performed on Broadway, in films, and appeared frequently on television. She was among the pioneers of black ballet dancing, one of the few classically trained Black dancers of her generation.
Meadows' text is rather simplistic, straightforward, informative, and lyrical. Writing in gentle verse, Meadows introduces Janet Collins, a New Orleans-born ballerina who pursued dance in the 1930s and '40s. Backmatter includes an author's note, sources, and websites. Glenn's illustrations in warm yet muted digital art with dynamic spreads.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. With her family's support, Collins perseveres despite being told to lighten her dark skin. It tells the ups and downs of Janet Collins' dancing life, from her precocious youth through her arrival as the first African-American prima ballerina at the Metropolitan Opera in 1951.
All in all, Brave Ballerina: The Story of Janet Collins is a celebration of one black woman's achievements that underscores the passion and purpose that the human spirit has to offer.
Janet Collins was an African American ballet dancer, choreographer, and teacher. She performed on Broadway, in films, and appeared frequently on television. She was among the pioneers of black ballet dancing, one of the few classically trained Black dancers of her generation.
Meadows' text is rather simplistic, straightforward, informative, and lyrical. Writing in gentle verse, Meadows introduces Janet Collins, a New Orleans-born ballerina who pursued dance in the 1930s and '40s. Backmatter includes an author's note, sources, and websites. Glenn's illustrations in warm yet muted digital art with dynamic spreads.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. With her family's support, Collins perseveres despite being told to lighten her dark skin. It tells the ups and downs of Janet Collins' dancing life, from her precocious youth through her arrival as the first African-American prima ballerina at the Metropolitan Opera in 1951.
All in all, Brave Ballerina: The Story of Janet Collins is a celebration of one black woman's achievements that underscores the passion and purpose that the human spirit has to offer.
May 4, 2019
Softly-hued illustrations created with Adobe Photoshop accompany the important and inspiring story of Janet Collins. the first African American prima ballerina in the Metropolitan Opera House. The poetic text using repetitive text ["This is the..."] throughout the narrative highlights her accomplishments, made even more impressive when one considers the times in which she grew up and the naysayers and racist comments and attitude with which she contended. The images and text hint at what she had to endure to reach her goal and portray the hard work that goes into becoming an accomplished dancer. To think of all this leading to her becoming a prima ballerina in 1951 makes readers stop for a moment and consider the time period but also the determination of this amazing woman. An Author's Note provides useful back matter that adds to readers' understanding of the story being told here. Future ballerinas may feel reassured after reading about Janet Collins. This, of course, would be an excellent addition to a collection devoted to civil rights, ground-breakers or strong women. I felt as though I were dancing alongside Janet who was fortunate to have a family along the way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews