Be A Ballerina

Finalist, the Arts Club of Washington Marfield Prize A look inside a dancer’s world Inspiring, revealing, and deeply relatable, Being a Ballerina is a firsthand look at the realities of life as a professional ballet dancer. Through episodes from her own career, Gavin Larsen describes the forces that drive a person to study dance; the daily balance that dancers navigate between hardship and joy; and the dancer’s continual quest to discover who they are as a person and as an artist. Starting with her arrival as a young beginner at a class too advanced for her, Larsen tells how the embarrassing mistake ended up helping her learn quickly and advance rapidly. In other stories of her early teachers, training, and auditions, she explains how she gradually came to understand and achieve what she and her body were capable of. Larsen then re-creates scenes from her experiences in dance companies, from unglamorous roles to exhilarating performances. Working as a ballerina was shocking and scary at first, she says, recalling unexpected injuries, leaps of faith, and her constant struggle to operate at the level she wanted—but full of enormously rewarding moments. Larsen also reflects candidly on her difficult decision to retire at age 35. An ideal read for aspiring dancers, Larsen’s memoir will also delight experienced dance professionals and fascinate anyone who wonders what it takes to live a life dedicated to the perfection of the art form.

What little girl doesn't dream of becoming a ballerina? This book follows a promising young dancer as she goes through her routine, from doing her hair and learning how to wear pointe shoes to teaching some basics to an even younger dancer. Full color.

Mia's big sister teaches her that there is more to being a ballerina than just putting on the right clothes.

Oh, to be a ballerina! It's a challenge for any little girl, but even more so if you happen to be a vampire like Vampirina. First of all, you have to find a class that meets at night. Then you have to figure out how to perfect your form when you can't see yourself in the mirror? And then there's wearing pink (not the most flattering of colors if you happen to be undead) and that nagging urge to take a little nip out of the other dancers. And worse of all... STAGE FRIGHT!!!

The perfect beginner's book for aspiring ballerinas. Join Jamie and her friends at their first-ever ballet lesson. Watch Jamie as she learns to dance and makes new friends. Young readers will discover the importance of patience, kindness, and believing in themselves. Stunning photographs combine with lively illustrations and engaging, age-appropriate stories in DK Readers, a multilevel reading program guaranteed to capture children's interest while developing their reading skills and general knowledge. With DK Readers, children will learn to read—then read to learn!

Young girls will love joining Barbie as she leaps, twirls, and pirouettes in this Step 2 reader, I Can Be a Ballerina.

Angelina Ballerina shows young readers all the ways to be a ballerina in this storybook! Angelina Ballerina does many things throughout her day that help her be the best ballerina she can be. Ballerinas fuel their bodies, so Angelina eats a healthy breakfast. They’re dedicated and determined, like Angelina as she goes to ballet school and practices at home. Little ones will see how ballerinas ask for help, never give up, and more! © 2022 Helen Craig Ltd and Katharine Holabird. The Angelina Ballerina name and character and the dancing Angelina logo are trademarks of HIT Entertainment Limited, Katharine Holabird, and Helen Craig.

An irresistible and determined ballerina shows readers how to reach for their dreams.