So, You Want to Be a Dancer?

May 1, 2015

Gr 5 Up-In this addition to this career-minded series, van der Linde takes readers inside the dance industry with history, advice, interviews, and plenty of encouragement. The author acknowledges that not everyone is destined for a career as a performer and accordingly describes a variety of jobs that also require a background in dance, such as choreographer and costume designer. Interspersed throughout are interviews with professional and aspiring dancers. Although some are more illuminating than others, van der Linde's profiles feature diverse individuals. Starting with the origins of dance, the author chronicles the development of court dance into ballet and then ballet into contemporary dance. In addition to the evolution of the art form in American musical theater, van der Linde covers the emergence of hip-hop and its role in the contemporary dance world. Overall, she emphasizes ballet as the essential foundation for all dance training, making this book ideal for those who are already in preprofessional programs or who are talented enough to pursue enrollment in one. The book emphasizes having a body-positive attitude and includes tips on staying healthy. The text boxes, interviews, and activities make this an easily digestible book, ideal for browsers or those willing to read it cover to cover. Extensive back matter includes resource lists of books, documentaries, and, most importantly, dance companies with youth programs. VERDICT An ideal offering for those who need that extra push and some practical advice to make their dreams a reality.-Joy Piedmont, LREI, New York City

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2015
Grades 4-7 Some kids have a compulsion to move. This title in the Be What You Want series helps them explore a range of possibilities in the dance industry. Equating dancers to athletes, the book begins with a brief history of dance around the world that influenced ballet and modern dance. The accessible text focuses on ballet as the foundation of dance, explaining its six techniques, U.S. ballet companies, diversity within the profession, and finding the right school or program. It also covers contemporary, modern, and hip-hop dance as well as dancing on Broadway. Additional chapters look at careers beyond just dancing, ranging from jobs behind the scenes (set designer) to jobs that support dancers (massage therapist) to jobs in related arts (critic). Each chapter features numerous sidebars, including important issues concerning dancers (such as body image), fun activities, and profiles of both professional and young dancers with growing resumes. Extensive back matter offers further resources to keep aspiring dancers and lovers of dance on point.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)