Ballet

Gr 2–4—Introductory views of several popular dance styles that include the history of each dance and an informative overview of the most basic techniques as well. Clothing, shoes, and, in several cases, hairstyles (Irish Dance and Ballet) are discussed. "Dance Tip" callouts offer ideas for dancers to build their focus and confidence. Questions at the end of each book encourage readers to reflect on what they've learned. While the dances and their simplest steps are described on a fairly basic level, readers won't come away as experts. Kids are encouraged in many of the titles to seek out lessons for foundational dances, such as those discussed in Ballet and Jazz Dance, to lay the groundwork for more complex styles, like tap dance, ballroom dance, and dance teams. The lone exception to this is Modern Dance. While the book does explain that many dancers begin their journey in ballet or jazz lessons, it offers a refreshing, beginner-friendly attitude.