FICTION

Invitation to Ballet

by Carolyn VAUGHAN
illus. by Rachel Isadora. 32p. notes. reprods. Metropolitan Museum of Art. 2012. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0260-0.
COPY ISBN
Gr 2–6—This glimpse into the world of ballet delicately balances pertinent information and the visual magic of art form. Isadora's graceful, contemporary illustrations depict young people demonstrating the movements that are the language and foundation of ballet. To capture its timelessness, the book includes large full-color reproductions of famous paintings by Edgar Degas throughout. From getting ready to dance to the performance, all of the images complement the text with a soft but colorful palette, and the overall layout is appealing. A brief history of ballet, a description of famous ballets, and biographical information on Degas are included. This introduction would make a fine addition to any collection.—Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA
Reissue, 2011, Metropolitan Museum of Art. Works of art by Edgar Degas. This attractive introduction to ballet, accompanied by Degas's art and Isadora's color illustrations, is well organized: an overview of the class environment leads to details about technique, costumes, and performance; summaries of three famous ballets, a brief history of the form, and more information on Degas's love of ballet and the featured works help young dancers contextualize and revere their art.
Reviewed by Carol Schene , Aug 01, 2012

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