Ballerina
Diary of a... Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
The book 'Ballerina' by D.K. Publishing is a comprehensive guide to the art of ballet, detailing its history, evolution, and significance in dance. It offers insights into the life and training of a ballerina, profiles renowned dancers and companies, and describes classic performances. The book is an inspirational resource, complete with vivid illustrations, photographs, and includes hundreds of glittery stickers and activities for young enthusiasts.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
16 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think being a ballerina involves daily?
How do you feel when you watch a ballet performance or when you dance?
What qualities do you think are important for a ballerina to have?
Can you imagine a story about a day in the life of a ballerina? What would happen in it?
If you could ask a professional ballerina any question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and emotions about ballet and dancing, validating their feelings and fostering a deeper connection to the art form.
Discuss the discipline and practice required to excel in ballet, highlighting parallels to skills your child is developing, such as patience, dedication, and resilience.
Use the illustrations in the book to discuss the different movements and poses in ballet, asking your child to try some simple positions to get a feel for the physical aspect of ballet.
After reading, watch a ballet performance together online or attend a live ballet if possible, to see the beauty and hard work discussed in the book come to life.
Encourage creative thinking by asking your child to come up with their own ballet story or to draw a ballet scene, incorporating elements from the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist faces challenges in learning ballet but continues to practice diligently.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of consistent effort and not giving up when facing difficulties in any activity or skill.
Example Lesson: Self-expression
Explanation: Through ballet, the characters express their emotions and creativity, showing different styles and routines.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore artistic outlets to express their feelings and ideas, whether through dance, art, or music.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The ballet dancers must work together in harmony during ensemble performances.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of cooperating with others to achieve common goals, useful in group projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Discipline
Explanation: The book highlights the rigorous training and self-control needed to master ballet techniques.
Real-World Application: Instills the significance of discipline and structure in achieving success in both academic and personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity
Explanation: Ballerina showcases a variety of dance styles from different cultures, promoting cultural appreciation.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect diverse cultures and traditions, enhancing social awareness and inclusivity.