Perfect for Your Ballerina’s Home Library
Reading books with your child can help improve vocabulary, promote critical thinking, foster imagination/creativity and cultivate a lifelong love of reading. One way to encourage your child to enjoy reading is to surround them with books about a topic they love. To help narrow down book choices, our instructors at Nan’s Dance have compiled a list of 10 ballet-themed books that we are sure your little ballerina will love!
Firebird, by Misty Copeland and Christopher Myers
Misty Copeland became the first African American female principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre in 2015. Copeland lets the reader know that with dreams, hard work, and practice, they too can be stars on the stage! (Ages 4-8)
Swan: The Life and Dance of Anna Pavlova, by Laurel Snyder and Julie Morstad
This book tells the story of Russian prima ballerina Anna Pavlova. It begins with her first exposure to ballet at a young age. Then goes through her admittance to the Imperial Ballet School, and then to her signature role. (Ages 6-9)
Fancy Nancy: Budding Ballerina by By Jane O’Connor and illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser
When Nancy wants to teach her family about Ballet, she decides to open her very own ballet school. Your child will love learning to plié, pirouette, and jeté with Nancy as she demonstrates all of the positions she’s learned in ballet class. (Ages 4-8)
Tallulah’s Nutcracker, by Marilyn Singer and Alexandra Boiger
Tallulah is excited to be cast in a real production of The Nutcracker. She takes her part as the mouse very seriously. Everything is going well with rehearsals until opening night! (Ages 4-8)
Lola Levine and the Ballet Scheme, by Monica Brown
This is the third book in the Lola Levine series. In this book, Lola has a new classmate, Bella, who loves all things ballet and pink. Lola hates pink, and thinks that ballet can’t be nearly as hard as soccer. The two girls do not get along, and they end up in the principal’s office. That’s when Lola’s mom comes up with a plan that will teach both girls about soccer and ballet. (Ages 6-10)
The Nutcracker Comes to America: How Three Ballet-Loving Brothers Created a Holiday Tradition, by Chris Barton and Cathy Gendron
The Nutcracker is an American holiday tradition. Every December, the ballet is performed on big and small stages across the country. This book tells the story of three ballet-adoring brothers, William, Harold, and Lew, and how the famous ballet made its way from its birthplace in Russia to the United States. (Ages 8-12)
Ballet Shoes, by Noel Streatfeild and Diane Goode
This book takes place in London and follows three adopted sisters, Pauline, Petrova, and Posy Fossil. All three attend the Children’s Academy of Dancing and Stage Training. Pauline and Posy have dreams of the spotlight. And getting there is a lot of work. (Ages 8-12)
To Dance: A Ballerina’s Graphic Novel, by Siena Cherson Siegel and Mark Siegel
This autobiographical story, takes the reader on a journey from Puerto Rico to New York, from childhood dreams to adolescent heartbreak. This graphic novel for older readers shows the reality that comes with becoming a professional dancer. (Ages 8-14)
Dancing In The Wings, by Debbie Allen and illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Sassy has dreams of becoming a dancer, but she’s self-conscious about her long legs and large feet. That is until she learns that she can use these traits to her advantage. Readers will learn that not only is it okay to be different, but those differences can be a gift. (Ages 4-8)
A Dance Like Starlight: One Ballerina’s Dream, by Kristy Dempsey and illustrated by Floyd Cooper
This book takes place in 1950s Harlem. It is about a little girl who wishes to be a ballerina against all odds. Inspired by the life of Janet Collins, the first African American ballerina at the Metropolitan Opera. This book can teach your child about diversity and perseverance. (Ages 5-8)
Want to Read More About Dance?
Take a look at some of our other articles about dance.
So why Nan’s school of dance?
We offer instruction in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro, and Pre-Dance, at all levels. We love having new members in our dance classes. We will help get your child acclimated to our dance school and make them feel right at home. When your child attends Nan’s School of Dance, they will become a part of our dance family and share in our love for dance!
Don’t forget to register!
From ballet to hip hop, we offer dance classes for ALL ages and skill levels in a variety of styles. We place students in classes that will challenge them while offering a fun atmosphere for learning and growth. We also offer Mommy & Me classes, (18 months – 2.5 years) Register online or Give us a call at 919-803-6044 to hold your spot!