Ballet for Beginners

December 21, 2009
These special interest books should hit the spot for hobbyists.
Ballet for Beginners
Mary Kate Mellow
and Stephanie Troeller
. Imagine!
(BookMasters, dist), $14.95 (80p) ISBN 978-1-936140-01-5

A cartoon ballerina named Prima Princessa (who stars in a pair of ballet DVDs for kids) hosts this introduction to the art form. Full-color photographs feature the essential steps of becoming a professional, beginning with an outdoor “Creative Movement” class for girls under six, followed by lessons for children ages six to 13 and an advanced class, both photographed at the School of American Ballet in New York City. Ballerinas demonstrate poses and steps for readers to replicate, as the text describes each technique. Finally, a young ballerina applies makeup and warms up for her performance. The heartening tone will encourage those who dream of making it to the stage. Ages 6–up.