Janet Collins wanted to be a ballerina in the 1930s and '40s, a time when racial segregation was widespread in the United States. From her early childhood lessons to the height of her success as the first African-American prima ballerina in the Metropolitan Opera, this is the story in rhyme of her artistic career.

"As a young girl in Cuba, Alicia Alonso practiced ballet in tennis shoes. Within a few years, she was in New York City, with a promising ballet career. But her eyesight began to fail. When Alicia needed surgeries to save her vision, dancing was impossible, but she wouldn't give up her dream. She found the strength and determination to return to the stage and become a prima ballerina. This is the true story of a woman who overcame her challenges, mastered...

As the first African American woman to become a principal dancer for a major ballet company, Misty Copeland has broken barriers in the world of dance. Biography fans will learn about Copeland's rise from challenging circumstances to premier ballerina, including her childhood, her early dance lessons, and difficulties she overcame. Fast facts and intriguing sidebars teach students about Misty Copeland's influences, her perseverance, and the ways she...

"A delightful picture book about a young boy who finds himself feeling too restricted during his year-end dance recital"--

"Every Friday, in the cafeteria, one of the kids gets up in front of the whole school and does something. A performance. Today it's John's turn"--

A story that follows the everyday life of two girls, one a professional ballerina, the other a student, both of whom love ballet.

In this inspiring picture book autobiography, the first Black Radio City Rockette shares how she proved that everything is possible when you believe you belong.

When Belinda's magnificently large ballet shoes get lost en route to Paris, she must find another pair before her performance in the Paris Opera.

An exuberant and relatable picture book about sibling rivalry, ballet, and finding your free-form self. Confidence goes a long way, and so does practice -- but the support of a loving family and community matters even more in this winsome tale of dancing your way into your own unique talents. Tessie has taken ballet for a whole month and thinks she has it down. If it weren't for her big sister, Maya, who seems to own the spotlight, Tessie would dazzle...

"Rudolf fell in love with dance as a child. But he was not allowed to go to ballet school until he was 17. There, he had to make up for lost time and hone his skills to compete with the other dancers. As a professional, he dazzled audiences with sensational performances and star power. He went on to become a world-renowned choreographer and master of perfection in dance. This inspiring book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts...