Brave ballerina : the story of Janet Collins

Title:

Author:

Meadows, Michelle.

ISBN:

9781250127730

Personal Author:

Meadows, Michelle.

Edition:

First edition.

Publication Information:

New York : Henry Holt and Company, 2019.

Physical Description:

1 volume (unpaged) : illustrations (chiefly color) ; 29 cm

Abstract:

Presents the story of a remarkable pioneer, who was the first African American prima ballerina in the Metropolitan Opera, in a time when racial segregation was widespread in the United States.

Language:

English

Personal Subject:

Collins, Janet, 1917-2003-Juvenile literature.

Subject Term:

Ballet dancers -- United States -- Biography -- Juvenile literature.

Ballerinas -- United States -- Biography -- Juvenile literature.

African American dancers -- Biography -- Juvenile literature.

Added Author:

Glenn, Ebony,

Available:*

Library	Material Type	Item Barcode	Call Number	Status
Searching... Downtown Branch at Slover	Juvenile Hardback Book	0118616650099	jB COLLINS	Searching... Unknown
Searching... Janaf Branch	Juvenile Hardback Book	0118616650107	jB COLLINS	Searching... Unknown
Searching... Jordan-Newby Anchor Branch	Juvenile Hardback Book	0118616650115	jB COLLINS	Searching... Unknown
Searching... Lafayette Branch	Juvenile Hardback Book	0118616650073	jB COLLINS	Searching... Unknown

A lyrical picture book biography of Janet Collins, the first African American principal dancer at the Metropolitan Opera House.

Janet Collins wanted to be a ballerina in the 1930s and 40s, a time when racial segregation was widespread in the United States. Janet pursued dance with a passion, despite being rejected from discriminatory dance schools. When she was accepted into the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo as a teenager on the condition that she paint her skin white for performances, Janet refused. She continued to go after her dreams, never compromising her values along the way. From her early childhood lessons to the height of her success as the first African American prima ballerina in the Metropolitan Opera, Brave Ballerina is the story of a remarkable pioneer as told by Michelle Meadows, with fantastic illustrations from Ebony Glenn.

Reviews (1)

Booklist Review

Told in verse, this picture-book biography of Janet Collins joins a growing number of books highlighting African American ballerinas. Most of the four-line stanzas begin with the words ""This is"" (""This is the girl / who danced in the breeze / to the swoosh, swoosh, swoosh, / of towering trees""). The text touches on the discrimination Collins had to overcome in order to realize her dream (""This is the dancer / who found her way in / but learned she would / have to lighten her skin"") and the acceptance she eventually found: This is the class, / a welcoming place, / that focused on talent / regardless of race. Earth-toned illustrations depict the fluid dance movements of ballerinas. The final spread shows Collins on stage at the Metropolitan Opera House in 1951, a real triumph. A tribute to a determined woman who, despite being met with resistance, went on to accomplish what she set out to do. An author's note, sources, and further reading materials are appended.--Maryann Owen Copyright 2018 Booklist

Available:*

Bound With These Titles

On Order

Summary

Summary

Reviews (1)

Booklist Review