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More Dancing Shapes: Ballet and Body Awareness for Young Dancers

By Once Upon a Dance

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This is a natural extension of the Dancing Shapes series and is an interactive addition to young ballet dancers’ reading collections.

Synopsis

More Dancing Shapes is the second in the series from an award-winning dance teacher and her ballet-dancer daughter.

Following a similar format to the Dancing Shapes debut: Ballerina Konora, leads readers through:
• an inside glimpse into her continuing almost-ballerina journey
• a warm-up and basic ballet technique lesson
• an exploration of form and shape
• creating their own unique shapes

Ballerina Konora shares her movement, creativity, gratitude, persistence, joy, and wisdom.

Ballerina Konora is back with even more dancing shapes to share. Sidelined by the coronavirus pandemic, Konora and her mother turned to creating books for young and aspiring dancers to support movement and the learning of dance from home. 


Like the first book in the series, More Dancing Shapes begins with an introduction speaking directly to readers and informing them how the book is designed and intended to be used. After a brief description of Konora’s dancing history—including new details not mentioned in the first installment—readers are invited to get up and move along with Konora. Beginning with a warm up, young dancers learn new ballet terms and movements, enhancing their repertoire and building upon skills learned in the first book. 


Vivid photographs appear on every page, inspiring and demonstrating at the same time. Whether onstage in a bright costume or backlit to showcase a particular shape, these images of Konora are compelling to both dancers and non-dancers alike. 


This book incorporates more French ballet terminology than its predecessor, elevating young dancers to the next level of understanding. An informal glossary of terms at the end of the book helps with pronunciation and comprehension in case context is not sufficient for some readers. 


An actively engaging game is included in this book, encouraging creativity as readers attempt to follow Konora’s prompts in their own way. Imagination is a common theme in this book, and readers are even invited to share their stories with Konora directly, if they wish.


Like the first book, this second installment emphasizes the fact that dancing is for everyone, whether performing onstage or moving purely for enjoyment. A balanced amount of text and imagery makes this book accessible to a range of readers, although the text itself is best read aloud by an adult due to its complexity.


Written in a conversational tone that speaks directly to readers, this is a natural extension of the Dancing Shapes series and is an interactive addition to young ballet dancers’ reading collections. 

Reviewed by
Mary Lanni

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.

More Dancing Shapes: Ballet and Body Awareness for Young Dancers

Written by Once Upon a Dance

Buy it nowBuy nowBuy
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Synopsis

More Dancing Shapes is the second in the series from an award-winning dance teacher and her ballet-dancer daughter.

Following a similar format to the Dancing Shapes debut: Ballerina Konora, leads readers through:
• an inside glimpse into her continuing almost-ballerina journey
• a warm-up and basic ballet technique lesson
• an exploration of form and shape
• creating their own unique shapes

Ballerina Konora shares her movement, creativity, gratitude, persistence, joy, and wisdom.

More Dancing Shapes: Ballet and Body Awareness for Young Dancers

Written by Once Upon a Dance

Buy it nowBuy nowBuy
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1 Comment

Cara Stevens – What a beautiful way to teach dance concepts and body awareness. Once Upon a Dance once again provides an easy-to-follow, easy-to-understand and easy way for young people to fall in love with movement and dance. It's a great addition to the series.
1 like
about 4 years ago
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 December 23, 2020

4000 words

Worked with a Reedsy professional 🏆

Genre:Picture Books

Reviewed by

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