Bunheads: A Story within a Story

 

Misty, a young ballet dancer, is just learning the movements and names for them in her first ballet class.  She is full of anticipation when her teacher announces that they will be performing a ballet called Coppelia.  The story of Coppelia captivates the young dancers. It has everything that makes up an intriguing story:  a toymaker, a doll, love, jealousy, and outwitting the villain.  

The reader learns how a performance like this comes together from starting with the steps to asking the dancers who they feel they want to be in the show.  This story encompasses camaraderie between dancers, teamwork, feeling proud and embracing the drive to improve.  

There are numerous topics for conversation with this book.  Children can describe a time that they had to work with others toward a common goal.  Or focus on the story within the story, Cappelia.  Who is their favorite character?  Of what other story does it remind them?  How would they change the ending?

Overall, it is a book that celebrates dance and the dancers who practice their art.  It is for boys and girls and anyone who likes to move, feel the music to express the emotions that dance evokes.  The book's illustrations encompass a variety of skin tones so the reader can see that the world of ballet is one in which all people can be welcome.  

For extra enrichment you can share clips of Misty Copeland dancing, watch the book trailer, or even better, incorporate movement by trying out the ballet moves described in the book! Or find the story of Coppelia and read it or watch other ballet performances of Coppelia.  Children can even act it out with their own interpretive movements.