In the month of April, our studio’s “Live Your Best Life” Challenge asks you to focus on reading for ten minutes every day. Do you have a favorite author or book series? Did you know that there are many dancers-turned-authors who have published books for readers of all ages? Here is a brief list to get you started if you’re looking for some dance-related reading!
1. Firebird by Misty Copeland
Misty Copeland is a Principal ballerina with American Ballet Theater. She is also the first African-American woman to be promoted to prima ballerina in the entire 75 years that American Ballet Theater has been in existence. In her debut picture book, Firebird, Copeland tells the story of a young girl who must find her confidence and believe in herself to take her dancing to new heights.
Misty Copeland has authored or co-authored several other books for children including: Bunheads, a children’s book about having the courage to follow your dreams, and Black Ballerinas, a non-fiction picture book about some of the ballerinas of color who have made their mark in the classical ballet world.
2. My Dancing Feet by Diane Koebel-Pede
This children’s book, aimed at kids from preschool through second grade, covers the basics in a variety of dance styles. Young readers can learn about tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop and other forms of dance through the fun rhyming text. The book also includes an activities section for children to record their own dance-related goals and accomplishments!
3. A Chance to Dance: a Parent’s Guide to Healthy Dance Education by Betsy Bradley
As parents, we all want to be as well-informed as possible to ensure that our children are getting the most out of their education. Why wouldn’t this carry over when we take our kids to dance class?
Many parents who grew up dancing may find that the dance world has changed much over the past few decades. Parents who didn’t grow up in a studio setting may have lots of questions about dance in general, especially when it comes to the dance environment they choose for their child.
With over 40 years of experience teaching dance, a bachelor’s of fine arts in ballet, and a master’s degree in education, Betsy Bradley truly understands the importance of developmentally appropriate dance instruction for children. This book is the perfect guide for any dance parent, covering the ins and outs of such topics as the nuances of different dance styles, helping your child through auditions and performances, and everything in between.
4. Rooted: Memoirs of an Adoptee by Lori Williams
Last but not least, we wish to highlight our studio’s own Miss Lori!
In 2021, Miss Lori became a published author when she wrote her debut book, Rooted: Memoirs of an Adoptee. A dancer all her life, Miss Lori also loved to write as a form of self-expression, ever since she was little. Miss Lori was adopted as a baby and later reconnected with her biological parents as an adult.
In her book, she candidly discusses her early years as an adoptee, her struggles to find her own identity, an unexpected Christmas Eve reunion with her birth father, reconnecting with her birth mother, and the divine intervention that led her biological parents to her adoptive parents.
This book is most suitable for teen and adult readers. There is a studio copy you can check out and read at the front desk at Liberty if you are interested! You can also find the book on Amazon.
Happy Reading, Everyone!
