Dance is a popular pastime for many people of all ages. The world of dance can be a magical and encouraging place for children, improving their dance skills through training with proper dance instructors. Add reading to the mix and you have an incredible journey with the best books about dance for kids. Parents can use the magical power of learning to combine a child’s passion for dance with their love for reading. Books that teach through story can often have the biggest effect on a child.
Dance Books for Preschool Kids
There are dance books that teach literacy skills, numeracy, and math skills while providing easy-to-understand storylines on various genres of dance. Take for instance, B is for Ballet written by John Robert Allman with its amazing illustrations by Rachel Dean.
Ballet Picture Books for Kids
There are several ballet picture books for kids that easily explain the targeted message of the book through an incredible story.
Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring embraces the classic ballet as told by authors Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan with the stunning watercolour illustration by Brian Floca. This popular book explores the works of choreographer Martha Graham, composer Aaron Copland, and artist Isamu Noguchi.
Ballet dancer Misty Copeland tells of a magical adventure about a young ballerina who becomes a mythical firebird in her story Firebird. With illustrator Christopher Myers, Copeland provides a look into the diverse roles a female ballerina.
Learn how another young girl strives to earn her first tutu through perseverance and patience in the story of Tallulah’s Tutu by Marilyn Singer. The story follows Tallulah as she immerses herself into the dance world of ballet.
Introduction to Ballet Guides for Kids
Learning the distinct steps and movements of ballet is only part of immersing yourself into the world of this dance. A Child’s Introduction to Ballet: The Stories, Music, and Magic of Classical Dance, by Laura Lee introduces children to the history and artistry of the dance.
Through the sound of music from an accompanying website, children can read and listen about composers such as Tchaikovsky while learning about the top 25 ballets that have captivated the world over the years. From dancers and performers to musicians and artists, this book and music guide brings the stage to your home!
Pop-Up Books and Story Collections for Kids
For every small and “big” kid that has dreamt of following their dreams in dance, there is a pop-up book or story collection made especially for them!
Dance, Dance, Dance is a pop-up book for mini dancers that explores various genres of dance through easy-to-read interactive illustrations. Author Ethan Long uses fun rhymes and colourful pictures to captivate and teach children about dance.
Author Jane Rosenberg brings classic ballets to life in the eyes of a child with the Dance Me a Story series. This 12-tale collection highlights famous ballets such as The Nutcracker and Swan Lake through watercolour illustrations with a fairy-tale touch.
Series Books for Kids
One of the popular series books for kids about the amazing world of ballet is the Angelina Ballerina series. Author Katharine Holabird and illustrator Helen Craig provide the dance adventures of a small mouse named Angelina in the introductory book of Meet Angelina Ballerina. Follow Angelina’s passion for ballet in fun sprees through the series of 66 books.
PDA Encourages Parents to Embrace Their Child’s Passion for Dance
Performing Dance Arts is a welcoming and fun environment for dancers of all skills to enhance their passion for dance through training by some of the worlds best instructors. We understand the importance of having a solid and encouraging support system, both in the studio and at home.
Call us today at one of our three studios at Yorkdale (647) 262-1550, Etobicoke (647) 640-5010, or Vaughan (905) 856-1030.
