There is something about that perfect shade of ballet pink that makes me happy. It reminds me of the years I spent in dance class as a kid. I loved it! When I was searching for books to put in this list, it made me really happy to find a level of diversity that I might not have found five years ago. I'm especially excited about the picture book biography of ballet super-star, Misty Copeland. I'm so glad kids can read about the barriers she has busted down!
grace, diversity, talent: a book about ballerina misty copeland and make your own misty the ballerina!
"I was a dancer just like you, a dreaming shooting star of a girl, with work and worlds ahead."
Misty Copeland, the first African-American ballerina to be promoted to principal dancer in the American Ballet Theater, is an amazingly talented woman! She has danced in classic roles like Clara in The Nutcracker, and now she has written a picture book encouraging young ballet dancers to follow their dreams. The book is called Firebird, and it's awesome!
The book follows a young girl who dreams of being a professional ballerina but doesn't believe she will ever get there. In a dream-like narrative, Misty talks to the young girl and shows her what it took for Misty to achieve greatness. She shows her how hard work and determination pay off.
To honor Misty Copeland, we have created our own Misty the Ballerina to dance around the house after we read the story!
Here's what you need to make your very own Misty:
popsicle sticks
brown paint or marker
black marker
red construction paper
red cupcake liner
glue or tape
Step one: color the popsicle stick to match Misty's skin tone with brown paint or marker. Give her a face with hair, eyes and a smile.
Step two: make the tutu skirt by folding the red cupcake liner in half and then cutting the flat part of the liner off.
Step three: Cut a bodice out of red construction paper.
Step four: tape or glue the bodice and tutu skirt onto the popsicle stick. Play some classical music and let Misty the ballerina twirl around!
