This Is Ballet: And Other Classical Dances

The first in a series that introduces three major dance families: ballet, hip-hop, and jazz, from a world-renowned early childhood educator and performer.

This first introduction to classical dance begins with a simple explanation of what defines a classical dancer. Young readers are then invited on a global exploration of different classical dances, from ballet to synchronized swimming to Kabuki; the ways dancers move; and who they move with.

This encouraging dance series will inspire young children to dance in their home or in their community, in socks or ballet shoes, and alone or with others.

Dr. Rekha S. Rajan is a USA TODAY bestselling author, a classically trained musician and has been an educator for over 20 years. Her children's books include Can You Dance Like a Peacock, Amazing Landmarks, the This is Music board book series and the Disaster Squad chapter book series. Her audiobook recordings for the This is Music series were named notable children's recordings by ALA/ALSC. She is also the author of the Read Aloud Factor, a parenting book which shares her latest brain research on how reading aloud supports children's development. Rekha lives in Chicago where you can find her doing pirouettes, tap dancing, or just improvising dance moves with her three children.

Chris Park has been a professional illustrator for over twelve years. Some of his previous clients include TBS, Team Coco, Rolling Stone, American Greetings Co., Cloudco Entertainment, Pro Publica, Sleeping Bear Press, Usborne Publishing, and Lightspeed Magazine. He coauthored and illustrated his debut picture book, Little Sock, with his wife Kia. Chris lives in Minnesota with his wife and two sons.