By Yasmine Naghdi, Chitra Soundar (author) , Paula Franco (illustrator) Part of the The Ballet Besties Series series
"A 21st century delightful ballet story about friendship and facing your fears."
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November 2024 Book of the Month
Indu loves her ballet lessons at the Shine and Shimmer dance school, but she’s starting to feel different to her ballet besties. Unlike her friends she doesn’t want a career as a ballerina and she doesn’t enjoy being the centre of attention, she just wants to enjoy dancing as a fun hobby. When her dance teacher announces they are going to perform Cinderella Indu is not sure if she is up to the challenge. Can she conquer her worries or will she let her friends down?
The second instalment in the fantastic Ballet Besties series is a joy from start to finish. Co-authored by Principal ballerina, Yasmine Naghdi, it is a must read for all ballet fans. Technical terms and dance descriptions are skilfully interwoven into the narrative, so that readers develop their ballet knowledge as they enjoy the story.
I was particularly impressed by the contemporary feel to the novel, this is a ballet story for the 21st century. The (un)affordability of access to the arts is gently handled, with Indu struggling to afford a trip alongside her friends and a scholarship fund being set up. Something that will undoubtedly resonate with many young readers.
And while all the ballet besties enjoy dancing, not all of them see it as a future career, instead the friends are a well-balanced bunch with a mix of interests and aspirations.
As with the first book in the series, the heart of the story lies in the fantastically drawn characters. From shy Indu to exuberant Dante, their personalities and friendships shine as brightly as their sparkly leotards. This is a must read for ballet fans, but will also be enjoyed by readers who love stories about friendship and working together.
Join LoveReading4Kids Editorial Expert Amy Mckay and LoveReading4Kids Ambassador Priya in conversation with authors Yasmine Naghdi & Chitra Soundar.
Pirouette your way into the Shimmer & Shine dance studio, where the ballet besties are ready to put on a show!
Read the full description
Indu loves learning ballet at Shimmer & Shine, her local community dance school. Unlike her friends, she doesn't want to be a principal dancer when she grows up, and she's a bit scared of being on stage, but it's still one of her favourite hobbies.
Until Miss Diamond announces that this term they'll be putting on a performance of Cinderella ! Suddenly everyone's talking about what lead role they want and how fun it will be to dance for an audience, and Indu is feeling nervous and left out.
What role will she audition for? Will her friends understand her worries? And will she ever be able to conquer her stage fright?
A fun, inclusive and accessible series that will bring the joy of dance to young readers aged 6+!
Yasmine Naghdi is a Principal of The Royal Ballet and has been dancing with the Company since 2010. Her many roles with The Royal Ballet include Odette/Odile (Swan Lake), Princess Aurora (The Sleeping Beauty), Juliet (Romeo and Juliet) and The Sugar Plum Fairy (The Nutcracker). She has performed all over the world and is passionate about showing ballet is for everyone.
Chitra Soundar is a writer and dreamer of many things. As well as writing books, Chitra is a speaker, oral storyteller and screenwriter. Her stories are inspired by her family, her childhood in India, which was filled with epics and folktales, and her travels around the world. Chitra has performed at literary festivals across the globe, telling stories and introducing the magic of writing to children everywhere. www.chitrasoundar.com/
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Pirouette your way into the Shimmer & Shine dance studio, where the ballet besties are ready to put on a show!Indu loves learning ballet at Shimmer & Shine, her local community dance school. Unlike her friends, she doesn't want to be a principal dancer when she grows up, and she's a bit scared of being on stage, but it's still one of her favourite hobbies.Until Miss Diamond announces that this term they'll be putting on a performance of Cinderella!
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Ballet Besties: Indu's Time to Shine and determined it is suitable for children aged 7-10 years old
Ballet Besties: Indu's Time to Shine features in the following genres: Featured Books for 7+ readers, Featured Books for 9+ readers, Books of the Month, Interviews with Authors and Illustrators, Recommendations, Star Books, Stories about Family and Friends, Romance / Relationship Stories, Drama / Performing Arts, Children’s / Teenage general interest: Dance, ballet, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Friendship stories, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Children’s / Teenage: General interest
Paperback. £7.19, down from the £7.99 cover price. In Stock.
Ballet Besties: Indu's Time to Shine was written by Yasmine Naghdi, Chitra Soundar and published by Piccadilly Press
Ballet Besties: Indu's Time to Shine has 205 pages
Yes it is part of The Ballet Besties Series series
£7.19, reduced from £7.99. In Stock.
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