How To….Ballet

While browsing the children's dance section this weekend at the library, I found a new book on ballet. I am quite selective about children's ballet books, as way too may perpetuate stereotypes about ballet and only little girls dancing.

Today I would like to recommend the 2011 DK book How To…Ballet. In the common DK aesthetic, the book contains clear photos of young children (both boys and girls) dancing. The titles are clear and interesting. The book covers "ballet basics" – hair, shoes, posture, positions of the feet, barre work, and more. 

This book is a nice gift for a young person curious about ballet, and a good book to keep on your bookshelf at your dance center for students to enjoy before classes. It could also be a quick reference book in a ballet class, to show a visual to students when talking about steps such as passé, développé, and pas de chat.