Originating in 15th-century Italy and taken up by the French courts, ballet quickly spread to become a worldwide art form that continues to entertain. These books for budding dancers introduce ballet’s history and techniques as well as renowned dancers past and present such as Rudolf Nureyev and Misty Copeland. Requiring dedication, athleticism and artistry, these books bring ballet to life for boys and girls.
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.
Rudolf Nureyev (Little People, BIG DREAMS)
by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara (Author), Eleonora Arosio (Illustrator)
Review: Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara tells the story of Rudolf Nureyev in simple, child-friendly language. Regarded as one of the greatest ballet dancers to have lived, this Little People BIG DREAMS book follows Rudolf from his childhood in Russia to the start of his professional training (at the advanced age of 17) to his time dancing with the Kirov Ballet. It then tells of his defection to the West before highlighting his lauded career and groundbreaking choreography, especially for male dancers. End notes provide a useful timeline and additional details about Rudolf’s life. The accompanying photographs of Nureyev allow readers to see what he looked like. A brief but appealing introduction for young readers.
Suggested Reading Age: 4 to 7 years old. In my opinion, this book would be most appealing to readers from 3 to 6 years of age.
Boys Dance!
by John Robert Allman (Author), Luciano Lozano (Illustrator)
Review: Engagingly illustrated, this American Ballet Theater book highlights boys who dance. Readers are quickly drawn in by the dynamic pictures and flowing, rhyming text. John Allman shows the training, athleticism and strength required of dancers. As they follow along, readers are introduced to renowned male dancers from the world of ballet and beyond. The end pages provide cameos of male dancers from the American Ballet Theatre. Perfect to read aloud and as a springboard to find out more about male dancers, this is sure to become a firm favourite.
Suggested Reading Age: 3 to 7 years old.
B Is for Ballet: A Dance Alphabet
by John Robert Allman (Author), Rachael Dean (Illustrator)
Review: Alphabet books provide a wonderful way of introducing readers to specific terms or areas related to a topic. B Is For Ballet does a terrific job of introducing readers to ballet terms whilst simultaneously introducing world-famous dancers and ballets. Beautifully illustrated, B Is For Ballet is a delight to look at. Its rhyming text makes readers want to read all the way through from A to Z in one sitting, like reading a story. Another great addition from the American Ballet Theatre.
Suggested Reading Age: 3 to 7 years old.
Swan: The Life And Dance Of Anna Pavlova
by Laurel Snyder (Author), Julie Morstad (Illustrator)
Review: Beautifully written and captivatingly illustrated, this memorable book is a stunning introduction to Anna Pavlova. We follow Anna as she is awakened to the world of ballet. She has to wait to be tall enough to be able to dance but her patience ultimately pays off. Anna tours the world dancing role after role, but her favourite is that of the dying swan that she created. Pavlova’s untimely death is evocatively dealt with in both words and images, leaving a strong impression. Highly recommended.
N.B. In order to help younger readers fully appreciate some of the references made in the book, do check out the author’s notes at the end. It is also well worth reading a brief biography of Pavlova beforehand.
Suggested Reading Age: 7 to 12 year-olds. In my opinion, many older readers would enjoy this, too.
When Stravinsky Met Nijinsky: Two Artists, Their Ballet, and One Extraordinary Riot
by Lauren Stringer
Review: This book introduces children to two greats, the composer Igor Stravinsky and the renowned ballet dancer and choreographer Vaslav Nijinsky. When Stravinsky Met Nijinsky charts the development of the ballet and orchestral work the Rite of Spring. It shows the influence Stravinsky and Nijinsky had on each other and provides an interesting insight into the, at times turbulent, creative process. The ballet was both loved and loathed when first performed, causing a furore amongst some. Stringer’s text and bright illustrations compellingly depict and open readers’ eyes to this turning point in music and dance. Well-worth a read.
Watch below to see inside the book:
Suggested Reading Age: 4 to 7 years. In my opinion, this is best suited to the older end of this age bracket and beyond.
Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina Young Readers Edition
by Misty Copeland with Brandy Colbert
Suggested Reading Age: 9 to 12 years old. This would also appeal to readers in their teens.
Taking Flight: From War Orphan To Star Ballerina
by Michaela DePrince with Elaine DePrince
Suggested Reading Age: Young Adult
Reviews: These two autobiographies provide teenage readers with a fascinating insight into the lives of leading ballerinas Misty Copeland and Michaela DePrince. Misty broke barriers to become the first African-American principal ballerina at the American Ballet Theater and Michaela, an orphan from war-ravaged Sierra Leone, went on to become the youngest principal dancer with the Dance Theater of Harlem. These books make for powerful reading for all readers whether or not they are interested in dance. At once inspirational and uplifting, Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina and Taking Flight compellingly tell Misty and Michaela’s stories and the grit and determination that enabled them both to succeed.
Ballet: The Definitive Illustrated Story
by DK, Viviana Durante (Foreword)
Review: This book is a must for ballet lovers. Packed full of paintings, photographs, programme reproductions and more, DK’s Ballet: The Definitive Illustrated Story traces ballet from its origins in Renaissance Italy to ballet around the world today. Featuring favourite ballets, dancers, choreographers and theatres this makes for a highly informative and appealing book. Coming in at over 350 pages and a large size format, this would make a perfect coffee table book.
Suggested Reading Age: Teenagers and beyond. I am sure, however, that younger readers would also enjoy looking at the pictures.
Happy Reading!
Other Arts Posts You May Enjoy:
Do YOU know any ballet books that can be added to these recommendations? If yes, please put the title below .