Do you have a little one who dreams of being a dancer?

This beautiful narrative non fiction book would be a perfect gift for them.

Welcome to Ballet School is such a wonderful book.

Ashley Bouder is a principal ballerina and she has written this book to inspire young children, to show them that no matter who they are, what they look like or where they come from, ballet is for everyone. Children are encouraged to read the story and try out the moves on each page in front of the mirror.

Little readers can learn all about warm-ups and stretching, leg positions and arm positions, steps to perform at the barre and all the French vocabulary to accompany their exercises.

The teacher in the book is kind and encouraging and inclusive. She reminds me of the lovely Charlotte who taught my children for many years. The book shows little dancers step by step how to pirouette and how to sauté – leap and jump!

There is a wonderful section of this book given over to storytelling and telling a story through dance. The story is Sleeping Beauty and through the different characters little readers can learn about telling a story without words, showing feelings through dance. I think it is my favourite part of the book. The story is told and the different actions and dance moves illustrated so that readers can join in with the fairytale. It is just brilliant and such fun for little dancers to try out.

The children in the book put on a special performance for their loved ones. It is wonderful!!

There is a helpful glossary at the back of the book providing a review of ballet terms.

And … the end papers are glorious!

A beautiful book for little ballerinas and ballerinas to be

The perfect gift for ballet teachers too