The Usborne Ballet Treasury
on Goodreads (27)
What’s inside...
Beginning with the first ballet lesson, readers are taken through the basic exercises and ballet steps, to chapters on the music and the stories of ballet, the costumes, the performances, and the famous dancers of the past including Anna Pavlova, Nijinsky and Margot Fonteyn.
Age
4-8
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you learn about ballet from reading this book?
Which story or ballet dancer did you find most interesting, and why?
How does the dedication and practice described in the book inspire you in your daily activities?
What emotions do you think the ballet dancers might feel during their performances?
If you could create your own ballet show, what story would you choose to tell?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts about the ballet stories, highlighting aspects they found inspiring or intriguing.
Discuss the discipline and practice required in ballet, relating it to any activities or interests your child pursues.
Help your child draw parallels between the emotions conveyed in the ballet performances and their own experiences with expressing feelings.
Consider watching a ballet performance together, either live or online, to bring the stories in the book to life and deepen the understanding of ballet.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance and dedication
Explanation: The stories in 'The Usborne Ballet Treasury' showcase various characters who practice diligently to master ballet. Their journey highlights the rewards of hard work and commitment.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the value of consistent effort and persistence in learning new skills or improving in areas such as sports, academics, or arts.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of the arts
Explanation: Through engaging tales and beautiful illustrations, this book introduces children to the world of ballet, encouraging a deeper appreciation for performing arts.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore and engage with different forms of artistic expression, whether attending performances, participating in dance, or expressing themselves creatively in other mediums.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The stories often depict characters working together during ballet performances and rehearsals, showing how collaboration contributes to successful outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of cooperating with others and how teamwork can help achieve shared goals, not just in performances but in group projects and collective tasks at school or in community activities.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness
Explanation: Ballet has a rich history embedded in various cultures. Through the ballet stories, children will be exposed to these diverse cultural elements.
Real-World Application: This helps children develop a broader understanding of the world and encourages respect for cultural diversity, promoting inclusivity in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Emotional expression and communication
Explanation: Characters express a range of emotions through dance, teaching children about emotional articulation through non-verbal forms.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and express their own emotions more clearly, as well as interpret and empathize with the feelings of others, enhancing their emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.