Dip a toe into the world of dance with these wonderful books. From street dance to waltzes to disco to salsa to line dancing, readers will enjoy learning about traditional and modern dances from around the globe. Full of photos, tips and information, be prepared to put on those dancing shoes and dance your cares away!
Disclosure: The Amazon links below are affiliate links. This means that, at no cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize the purchase.
A Dictionary of Dance
by Liz Murphy
Review: This delightfully illustrated book is a terrific introduction to dance. Children will explore a wide range of dance vocabulary as they browse through its pages. From choreographer to hula to notation to tap dance to variations to zones, A Dictionary of Dance introduces young readers to a wide range of topics .Each word is accompanied by a colourful illustration and a short definition. This is an engaging, first look at dance.
Suggested Reading Age: 4 to 8 years old
Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tip: An Alternative Alphabet: As they learn more about dance, ask students to find other dance-related words to go with each letter of the alphabet. This would work well as a whole class, group, paired or individual activity.
Feel the Beat: Dance Poems That Zing From Salsa to Swing
by Marilyn Singer (Author), Kristi Valiant (Illustrator)
Review: This book is a novel way to learn about dance and its different rhythms. Consisting of 15 poems, each poem mirrors the beat of the dance. Children will discover dance forms old and new from around the world, including bhangra, merengue, waltz, hora and hip-hop. Vibrant, joyous drawings bring the dances to life. A CD featuring all of the poems enables children to follow along as they read. Notes about the dances at the back of the book provide child-friendly information about each dance style. This is a great introduction to the world of dance.
Suggested Reading Age: 5 to 8-year-olds.
Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tip: Dance Around the World: Inquire into other dances from around the world. Record these on a map. Invite students to have a go at learning one of the dances they find most appealing. Perform it for friends or family.
Dance: From Ballet to Breakin’ – Step into the Dazzling World of Dance
by DK
Review: Another inviting edition from DK, this book explores the world of dance. Beginning with eye-catching endpapers featuring dancers in silhouette, readers will discover dances across time and place. Dance starts by exploring depictions of dance in ancient cultures; it then introduces dances around the world such as the polonaise and sirtaki. Subsequent chapters take a deeper dive into ballroom dancing, ballet, contemporary dance, musical theatre and break and street dance. Packed full of illustrations and fascinating facts, this is sure to whet any young dancer’s appetite.
Suggested Reading Age: 9 to 12-year-olds.
Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tips: Break It Down: Draw the steps from a favourite dance for others to follow. Accompany this with a video clip to better show the moves.
Today’s Street Dance
by Lori Mortensesn
Review: A vibrant introduction to street dance, this short book is packed full of information. Today’s Street Dance showcases popular street dance moves, explaining how they are performed and some of the history behind them. Full of photographs of street dance in action, readers are introduced to notable performers. A glossary defines terms clearly and internet links allow for further explanation. This is a great book to dip into for street dance lovers and those new to the style.
Suggested Reading Age: 8 years to teenage.
Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tip: Dance Off: Having mastered some street dance classics, such as pop and lock or tutting, go outside and have a dance-off.
The Many Faces of Josephine Baker: Dancer, Singer, Activist, Spy
by Peggy Caravantes
Review: A fascinating read, The Many Faces of Josephine Baker introduces the incredible story of Josephine Baker to young readers. Instantly recognisable for her dancing, this book sheds light on her work as both an activist and a spy. A larger-than-life character, Josephine moved from her native America to Paris in the 1920s where she quickly became a sensation performing at the Folies Bergère. During the Second World War, she helped the French resistance and was subsequently honoured with numerous awards. A staunch supporter of the Civil Rights Movement, Coretta Scott King asked her to assume leadership of the movement after Dr Martin Luther King, Jr’s assassination. Inset boxes throughout provide background information to historical or cultural references helping the reader to better understand the period and society during which Josephine lived. A captivating read.
Suggested Reading Age: 12 years and up.
Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tip: That’s Unexpected: Find out about other prominent figures in history who had hidden/less well-known sides, such as the Hollywood actress Hedy Lamarr.
Happy Reading!
If you know of any other dance books to add to this list, please leave a recommendation below .
Other Arts Posts You May Enjoy:
