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Soñe que era una bailarina
A young girl's discovery of ballet is combined with the magic of French Impressionist Edgar Degas's paintings to create a story as delicate and lovely as the ballerina herself. Drawn from the 1922 autobiography of prima ballerina Anna Pavlova, this reminiscence tells of her first trip to the ballet to see Sleeping Beauty with her mother. Her youthful words reflect the sweet wonder of the experience, as well as the gentle love between mother and child. The moment the breathless Pavlova voices her desire to dance on the stage one day, followed by her mother's response that she is "her silly little dear," is made all the more poignant by the reader's knowledge that this particular little girl's dream did come true.
Filled with the enchanting details of the ballet, and perfectly accompanied by the famous ballerina paintings of Degas, this is a book to be treasured by dancers, art lovers, and devotees of ballet alike. (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie Coulter
36 pages, Hardcover
First published June 28, 2001
256 people want to read
About the author
Anna Pavlova
22 books7 followersFamous Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova played her roles in
The Dying Swan
and
Les Sylphides
.
People widely regard Anna Pavlova of the most classical dancers in history and most note her as a principal artist of the imperial Russian ballet and the ballets Russes of Sergei Pavlovich Diaghilev. People frequently cite her probably most well known greatness. Pavlova, most recognized for the creation, first toured with her own company around the world.
Train of Pavlova on tour in The Hague, Netherlands, mildly derailed. Dressed only in pajamas and a light scarf, she walked the length of the train to see happenings. Three weeks later, she died of pneumonia. Reportedly, she said, "If I can't dance, then I'd rather be dead," and asked to hold her costume. While holding her costume, she spoke her last words; "Play the last measure very softly."
People widely regard Anna Pavlova of the most classical dancers in history and most note her as a principal artist of the imperial Russian ballet and the ballets Russes of Sergei Pavlovich Diaghilev. People frequently cite her probably most well known greatness. Pavlova, most recognized for the creation, first toured with her own company around the world.
Train of Pavlova on tour in The Hague, Netherlands, mildly derailed. Dressed only in pajamas and a light scarf, she walked the length of the train to see happenings. Three weeks later, she died of pneumonia. Reportedly, she said, "If I can't dance, then I'd rather be dead," and asked to hold her costume. While holding her costume, she spoke her last words; "Play the last measure very softly."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 26, 2017
This lovely picture book combines art and Ballet, so it's perfect for anyone who appreciates both.
October 13, 2010
A lovely book combining short excerpts from Anna Pavlova's autobiography paired with some of Degas' (many!) paintings and sketches of ballerinas, along with a few relevant non-ballerina paintings. Here, the focus is on Pavlova's early life, her poverty-stricken childhood and the dream-come-true day when her mother takes her to see "The Sleeping Beauty" ballet. That night, Pavlova dreams that SHE is the ballerina. The afterword explains how that dream also came true ;-)
(parents may wish to screen the author's note first as it mentions how Pavlova love ballet so much she chose to die rather than live a life without ballet.)
Though I'm not sure this story would captivate the youngest audiences, there are already many picture books out there for the 4-8 year old ballerinas. This book is a welcome addition to the genre for older children, those ready to explore beyond the "Angelina Ballerina" fantasy worlds of ballet or the stories about contemporary little girls in ballet class, and delve into the real-lives of some famous ballerinas. It's also a great way to introduce them to Degas' work.
(parents may wish to screen the author's note first as it mentions how Pavlova love ballet so much she chose to die rather than live a life without ballet.)
Though I'm not sure this story would captivate the youngest audiences, there are already many picture books out there for the 4-8 year old ballerinas. This book is a welcome addition to the genre for older children, those ready to explore beyond the "Angelina Ballerina" fantasy worlds of ballet or the stories about contemporary little girls in ballet class, and delve into the real-lives of some famous ballerinas. It's also a great way to introduce them to Degas' work.
April 2, 2018
I have always loved the classical: art, choirs, orchestras, symphonies, the opera and the Ballet. It is a shame that the classical is dying and or else being replaced with the modern. This book shows that one can battle obstacles and strive to achieve a dream.
September 27, 2025
Courtney (11) is in ballet again and was happy to volunteer to read this one aloud to our family tonight.
January 21, 2015
Anna Pavlova is one of the most revered names in twentieth century classical ballet. As a teenager and as a young adult I read stirring biographies illuminating both her professional and personal life. I Dreamed I was a Ballerina- a girlhood story by Anna Pavlova introduces younger readers to the life of Pavlova. Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, the book is autobiographical, taken from excerpts of Pavlova’s memoirs.
Born in a suburb of St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1881 Pavlova was raised in poverty. Although poor, her widowed mother was dedicated to providing young Anna opportunities for a better life. The story follows Pavlova’s written recollection of a pivotal event in her young life that started the path toward her professional career and passion for ballet, attending her first ballet performance. As a birthday present, Anna and her mother attended the ballet, Sleeping Beauty, at the illustrious Marinsky Theater. This performance would live in her memory forever.
At times the translated text in the book is more formal than that of the typical young twenty-first century reader but is still understandable. Comprehension is enhanced by beautiful images of dancers and other works of art from the Edgar Degas collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A short biography of both Anna Pavlova and Edgar Degas, famed for his images of ballet dancers of the Paris Opera, follow the main story. This book is a must read for all young aspiring dancers and worth adding to the lending library of all dance instructors.
Born in a suburb of St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1881 Pavlova was raised in poverty. Although poor, her widowed mother was dedicated to providing young Anna opportunities for a better life. The story follows Pavlova’s written recollection of a pivotal event in her young life that started the path toward her professional career and passion for ballet, attending her first ballet performance. As a birthday present, Anna and her mother attended the ballet, Sleeping Beauty, at the illustrious Marinsky Theater. This performance would live in her memory forever.
At times the translated text in the book is more formal than that of the typical young twenty-first century reader but is still understandable. Comprehension is enhanced by beautiful images of dancers and other works of art from the Edgar Degas collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A short biography of both Anna Pavlova and Edgar Degas, famed for his images of ballet dancers of the Paris Opera, follow the main story. This book is a must read for all young aspiring dancers and worth adding to the lending library of all dance instructors.
February 27, 2014
I thought that the format of this book was really interesting because the artwork was not originally made to fit the story but the parallel between Pavlova's story and Degas' artwork is incredible. Because the story is about a young girl going to the ballet, I find it very refreshing that the language is simple. I also really enjoy Degas' artwork. I took dance lessons as a child and his paintings were all over the studio. Reading this book brought back memories of standing at the ballet bar doing plies.
February 5, 2014
I am a little biased toward this book, having been a ballerina for almost my whole life and having Edgar Degas as my number one favorite artist... but no matter the case I was in loved with it! The story was a beautiful, succinct tale of the experience that brought Anna Pavlova to want to enter the ballet. Each picture in the book is one of Edgar Degas paintings, so of course they are to die for. A great story.
October 23, 2014
The illustrations in this book were beautiful. It looked like there were different illustrations techniques used. On some pages the illustrations looked painted, on others they looked as tho the pictures was made up of millions of tiny little dots. Some pages looked as tho the illustrator used crayons, mixed colors, and on one page it looks as though they sketched the picture with a pencil. Very unique yet still pretty.
July 9, 2009
This book is perfect for any child who loves ballet. With Anna Pavlova's words depicting her childhood dream of becoming a ballerina accompanied by Degas' pictures of dancers, the book entices the reader into the dream.
October 3, 2009
A long time ago my grandmother gave me this book along with a ballerina necklace and doll. I have loved ballet for a long time, and my grandmother knew that this was a good book. I loved it, and recommend others reading it as well. :)
February 7, 2014
I absolutely loved this story because of how perfectly the art and the story went together. It was a beautiful story of someone chasing after their childhood dream. It was inspiring to me to chase after dreams that I have.
February 10, 2015
I loved this biography. The pictures were beautiful and the story was charming. It shows how a famous ballerina first gained her inspiration and desire to be a dancer. A great book for aspiring dancers.
February 27, 2009
This is so cute. Totally captured what it feels like to be a child mesmerized by the magic and beauty of theater and dance. And what a wonderful introduction to Degas’ paintings for children!
January 13, 2012
Anna Pavlova's story of what inspired her to become a prima ballerina, illustrated with the art of Degas. Inspiring for young girls (probably 7+).
February 5, 2014
I love how the art work tells the story. Amazing that they were not made for each other.
April 9, 2014
Very beautiful.
February 10, 2015
This is a good quick read. It has amazing art work to go with the story. I loved this and any girl who likes to dance will also love it.
Read
March 18, 2015Beautiful.
February 8, 2016
High vocab and I love the degas paintings
October 11, 2020
The words are a translated excerpt from Anna Pavlova's autobiography Pages of My Life.
The illustrations are all by Degas.
This is the story of a single mother and her only daughter. They don't have much money, but the mother somehow finds money for special treats for her daughter. One year, the birthday treat was a visit to the theatre to see the ballet of Sleeping Beauty. The girl is so inspired by what she saw on stage that she promised herself she would be up there one day.
That's basically where the story ends.
Back matter tells what Anna Pavlova had to overcome to reach her goals.
The illustrations are all by Degas.
This is the story of a single mother and her only daughter. They don't have much money, but the mother somehow finds money for special treats for her daughter. One year, the birthday treat was a visit to the theatre to see the ballet of Sleeping Beauty. The girl is so inspired by what she saw on stage that she promised herself she would be up there one day.
That's basically where the story ends.
Back matter tells what Anna Pavlova had to overcome to reach her goals.
December 19, 2017
"You are going to enter fairyland," she said, as we were being whirled across the darkness toward the theater, that mysterious unknown.
One of my all time favourites. Wonderful for readers of all ages.
November 13, 2018
A beautiful book meant for younger readers but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Love Edgar Degas’ ballet paintings - I find them mesmerizing - which brought me to this book, and introduced me to Anna Pavlova. A lovely combination.
March 20, 2021
I read this book and fell in love with it i am quite well a ballet dancer and i love ballet and after i read this book i fell in love with ballet more that now I'm so ambitious about it so if you are a ballet dancer or you fancy ballet I totally recommend this book ❤️❤️
August 29, 2024
So, hmmmm. The story was fine and from Pavlova's autobiography. The pictures were Degas. But they did not connect. I am not sure why they are together like this. The information in the back even says they probably never met.
January 12, 2020
well that was freakin beautiful! I could feel the cold snow of St. Petersburg and the jittery, child-like excitement. Such a sweet gem.
February 4, 2022
Anna <3
April 11, 2022
Perfect bedtime story.
November 26, 2022
A children's story of Anna Pavlova's childhood dreams that led her to be the prima ballerina in Russian Ballet.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews