Becoming a Ballerina

Gr 3-7–Ballet lovers and wannabe performers will enjoy this backstage look at a young dancer’s journey from classes to auditions to rehearsals for her starring role as Clara in The Nutcracker. The book begins with Fiona’s opening-night jitters as she prepares to go onstage. Through an effective use of flashback, her story of hard work and preparation is unspooled. Excellent-quality full-color photos on almost every page provide glimpses into her warm and supportive family and the members of the Boston Ballet Company as she rehearses and works through her fears and nerves. Although aspects of the ballet are explained in the narrative, e.g., the importance of mime gestures in the wordless world of ballet, there are no definitions of such terms as arabesque, chassé, épaulement effacé, etc., in order to broaden the appeal to curious newcomers. The photographs amplify the text, but captions lack some needed details, e.g., is that Fiona’s little sister as one of the lambs? Overall, a lively look at a production for aspiring dancers.–Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA