Boys Dancing: From School Gym to Theater Stage

Gr 1–3—Instructors from the National Dance Institute (NDI) in New Mexico visit local schools to engage boys in the performing arts. Students are taught how to dance in order to star in a multiple-school production. The dances are athletic and fun, allowing the boys to pretend to be pirates, monsters, and more. The straightforward text features moments that will be relatable for most readers ("When the students become too noisy to hear Pamela, she claps her hands—1, 2…1, 2, 3. Then the students clap back the same rhythm—1, 2…1, 2, 3—and they quiet down."), accompanied by photographs that depict the rehearsal process and some of the final performance. Specifics of how the instructors rally the class are also included. ("Emily is choreographing the opening dance. She moves pieces of paper around on the floor to show the dancers where they should be and where they should go.") The photos depict a diverse mix of eager, happy students leaping, tapping, perfecting a pas de deux, and more. While dancers may get a kick out of seeing how NDI puts on a show, this title is unlikely to get the uninitiated itching to get started, as some familiarity with the subject is needed.