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A heartfelt and detailed non-fiction story that teaches ballet movements while reminding readers to be kind in a subjective world.
Captivating straight talk and inspiration from Ballerina Konora, ideal for young ballet fans ages 7-11.
Aspiring dancers get an inside perspective on casting, competitions, and career, as well as a lesson in movement and dance, in this fourth book in the Dancing Shapes collection.
The books begin with an aspect of Konora’s ballet journey: after a couple rounds of auditions, she’s a finalist for a dance job: Will she get the job? Will she take the job, pack up and move to a new state? Konora then looks back at competitions, shares wisdom, and discusses subjectivity, then takes readers through a warm-up, mini-ballet lesson, and an exploration of shape and detail.
Early reviewers say this is the most intimate of the series and that it provides a fascinating peek at the nitty-gritty of chasing your dreams in a highly competitive field.
Dancing Shapes is “a visually stunning and interactive” pandemic creation by an award-winning dance teacher and her ballerina daughter.
The life of a dancer is rarely predictable, and because dance is a subjective art form, it can be difficult for any dancer to face competition or criticism. Ballerina Konora is back in the newest addition to the Dancing Shapes series. Here, she gets personal with readers and explains some of the dimmer moments of her dancing career. As she anxiously awaits an update on where she will be performing next, Konora introduces readers to more complicated dancing shapes than in the other installments. As readers become ready for more of a challenge, this book provides one, along with the reminder that everyone sees something different when they observe art.
Like the others in the Dancing Shapes series, this book begins with a narrative before transitioning into the movement portion. This book gets more personal with readers than the other stories as it highlights moments of disappointment and how Konora has overcome them throughout her dancing career. Competitive and performing dancers of all types will recognize the emotions mentioned in this book and will find a kindred spirit in Konora.
Dynamic photographs of Konora in action are the visual feature of this book, like in the previous books. In addition to back-lit, black-and-white images are ones of Konora against surprising and compelling backdrops. Each picture gives readers a sense that dance and movement are intrinsic elements of life everywhere.
The instructional section of this book focuses on attitude and arabesque. These movements are described in great detail, giving readers the tools they need to execute each one accurately. Readers who appreciate getting into the important, nuanced pieces of ballet shapes will relish the approach to teaching these two movements.
At the end of the book, readers are left with a teaser to learn where Konora will be performing next along with a reminder to be kind—both to one another and to themselves. Once Upon a Dance reiterates the message that dancing truly is for everybody, and this book makes that fact especially obvious. Dancers with an interest in leveling up their dancing ability will love adding this book to their libraries and practicing the skills it teaches.
Reviewed by
I review books for kids, tweens, and teens and blog about them on my website. To date, I have over 500 published reviews. Sign up for my monthly newsletter at www.maryrlanni.com to get recommendations straight to your inbox! I primarily write reviews, but will create video reviews upon request.
Synopsis
Captivating straight talk and inspiration from Ballerina Konora, ideal for young ballet fans ages 7-11.
Aspiring dancers get an inside perspective on casting, competitions, and career, as well as a lesson in movement and dance, in this fourth book in the Dancing Shapes collection.
The books begin with an aspect of Konora’s ballet journey: after a couple rounds of auditions, she’s a finalist for a dance job: Will she get the job? Will she take the job, pack up and move to a new state? Konora then looks back at competitions, shares wisdom, and discusses subjectivity, then takes readers through a warm-up, mini-ballet lesson, and an exploration of shape and detail.
Early reviewers say this is the most intimate of the series and that it provides a fascinating peek at the nitty-gritty of chasing your dreams in a highly competitive field.
Dancing Shapes is “a visually stunning and interactive” pandemic creation by an award-winning dance teacher and her ballerina daughter.
About the author
—> 28 books to spark imagination and inspire children to MOVE, breathe, and connect —> Created by a mom-daughter team passionate about books and dance, who donate royalties —> Visit DanceStories.com for details/local sellers. Also available via your local bookstore, library, Amazon, or Bookshop.org. view profile
Published on April 01, 2021
3000 words
Worked with a Reedsy professional 🏆
Genre: Picture Books
Reviewed by
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