Danza!: Amalia Hernández and Mexico's Folkloric Ballet

Gr 3–6—Amalia grew up in Mexico thinking she would lead a similar life to her parents until the day she saw a dance performance in the town square. Amalia studied modern dancing and combined it with folkloric dances. Traveling to various towns and cities in Mexico, Amalia learned their dances, spoke with elders, and learned their rich histories. This lead her to create the dance company El Ballet Folklórico de México, which still performs today. The audiobook captivates listeners from the first moment with festive music and the sound of dancing feet. Adriana Sananes's smooth voice and facility with Spanish bring this story to life. The writing, with Spanish words and dance terminology, is simplistic enough for the intended audience to enjoy. The disc includes the author's note and glossary, as well as a second version of the story with page-turning signals. Readers will be captivated by Amalia's journey through dance as she conquers the world while still staying true to her culture.