So You Want To Be A Ballet Dancer (So You Want To Be A...)

"Linda Soules’s So You Want to Be a Ballet Dancer introduces young readers to the demanding and artistic world of ballet. The book explains that ballet is far more than graceful performances onstage. It is a discipline built on years of physical training, repetition, precision, and emotional expression. Early chapters describe the foundations of ballet, including the French vocabulary dancers must learn, movements such as pliés and pirouettes, and the intense rehearsal process required to perfect choreography. Soules carefully explains the tools dancers rely on, including pointe shoes, rosin, mirrors, and the dancer’s own body, emphasizing how much strength and endurance ballet requires. Later sections focus on the rewards and challenges of the profession, discussing opening-night excitement alongside injuries, pressure, and the short length of many performing careers. The book also highlights inclusivity and evolving traditions in ballet, featuring dancers from diverse backgrounds and abilities.

Linda Soules's writing balances information with engaging language designed to inspire curiosity. The pacing moves steadily through short thematic sections, making the book easy to follow while still covering a wide range of topics, from anatomy and performance schedules to musicality and stagecraft. Soules uses descriptive imagery and direct second-person narration to draw readers into the experience. The recurring focus on movement, sound, and physical sensation gives the writing energy. Readers interested in dance, theater, music, or athletic performance will enjoy how the book explains difficult concepts clearly and engagingly. One of the strongest elements of the book is its honesty about the demands of the profession while still maintaining an encouraging tone. So You Want to Be a Ballet Dancer combines education, inspiration, and artistic appreciation in a way that encourages readers to see ballet not simply as performance, but as a language spoken through movement."

"I found Linda Soules’s So You Want To Be A Ballet Dancer to be a thoughtful and refreshingly honest introduction to the world children step into each time they come to ballet class. This illustrated guide doesn’t present ballet as a simple dream of tutus, applause, and effortless grace. Instead, it begins where real training begins: at the barre, with repetition, discipline, alignment, and patience. For young readers ages 10 to 14, Soules explains ballet in a way that is clear and inviting without hiding how demanding the art form truly is.

What impressed me most was the book’s respect for the dancer’s body. Soules explains concepts such as turnout, pointe work, flexibility, strength, stamina, and injury prevention with enough detail to help children understand that ballet dancers are artists and athletes. I especially appreciated the attention given to tools of the trade, from pointe shoes and rosin to mirrors and the dancer’s own muscles. Young dancers often see the finished product on stage, but this book helps them understand the years of conditioning, correction, and quiet effort behind every polished performance.

The book also captures something ballet teachers teach in every class: technique alone is not enough. Soules explores musicality, emotional expression, stage presence, and the mental resilience needed to perform under pressure. She also introduces readers to the many people who make ballet possible, including choreographers, directors, physical therapists, and fellow dancers. The sections on ballet history, from the court of Louis XIV to modern stages around the world, help students see that each plié and pirouette belongs to a much larger artistic tradition that continues to evolve.

So You Want To Be A Ballet Dancer is an excellent starter guide for children who are curious about ballet, whether they are brand-new beginners or already dreaming of performing in productions like The Nutcracker. Soules’s tone is encouraging but realistic, which is exactly what young dancers need. She shows that ballet welcomes dedication, curiosity, and artistry, while also making clear that it requires hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance. I would gladly recommend this book to ballet students and their families because it gives children a fuller understanding of ballet as a language of movement, discipline, beauty, and storytelling."

"Ballet can look effortless, but Linda Soules’s So You Want To Be A Ballet Dancer makes it clear that grace is built from strength, patience, and daily practice. It is an inviting, reality-based introduction that respects young readers and gives parents a smart framework for support.

Written for ages 10–12, the book speaks directly to young readers without talking down to them. It explains what dancers actually do, where they work, what pointe shoes are for, and how a day in a company is structured, using concrete details that make the commitment feel understandable. The history and global context are thoughtfully chosen, and the sections on injuries, fairness, and changing expectations are handled with clarity that families can discuss. For parents, the practical 'prepare right now' ideas stand out, because they encourage consistency and safe habits rather than quick results.

The writing style is clean, energetic, and well paced, with short sections that make it easy to read in one sitting or dip into over time. In the spirit of the So You Want To Be series, it meets kids at eye level and gives parents enough substance to talk about after the last page. Some aspiring dancers may wish for more detailed coverage of ballet technique and training. The tone balances inspiration with realism, and the best lines invite effort without glorifying pain or perfection.

For families, this is a smart guide to read alongside a child who loves music and movement. It helps kids feel capable, and it helps parents encourage practice, patience, and safe effort without pressure. It closed with clear talking points for supportive, realistic goal-setting at home."

"This entire series of books is awesome! I love how the author really explains what it is like to be in the specific profession. They give detailed information that is specific, yet not overly complicated for young minds. Great read."

"This book is a treasure when learning about the basics, techniques, and advances of ballet! Page by page, your child is guided into the world of ballet and dance, and gives them knowledge, strength, and skill to begin and advance into a great dancer! It is a must-have for those looking to develop their passion for dance!"

"If your child dreams of a world of dancing, this book gives them a realistic overview of what it takes to thrive in this profession. I think everyone who seriously wants to dance should read this book...Highly recommend this to all. Interesting read."

"So You Want to Be a Ballet Dancer is an impressively researched and engaging book that goes far beyond the basics, offering young readers a deep understanding of the discipline, history, physical demands, and artistry of ballet. I especially appreciated how the author highlights the evolution of ballet, discussing how the field is becoming more inclusive and welcoming to dancers of different body types, backgrounds, and abilities. The sections featuring trailblazing dancers such as Misty Copeland and Maria Tallchief provide meaningful examples of how diversity has helped shape the future of the art form. This is an outstanding resource for young readers who are interested in pursuing a career in ballet."

"These books are truly sooo good. If this is your first from this author, I highly recommend looking for more. Linda Soules does great work with these career children's books. This one describes what it's like to be a ballet dancer is such a wonderful way...Highly recommend for anyone who has a child who wants to be a ballet dancer."

"As someone who did ballet for several years and considered this a possible career choice, this book brought me joy. I had forgotten exactly how it feels to dance and perform and to be weightless. This book reminded me of that and the dedication to the art that I miss."

"Another great teaching book on the beautiful art of ballet. For it to start as a male dominated form of art, women have definitely made a change in history. The pros and cons of ballet are nothing short of amazing and consistent body perseverance. The ones that chose this career are heavily dedicated to the craft and deserve much praise!"

"This was such a fascinating read. I knew that ballet was tough, but this book definitely offers a lot of enlightenment about the hard work that these dancers go through to put on such beautiful art pieces. The most interesting part to me was that a ballet dancers career only lasts until their early 30’s and from there they move into other roles like teaching or physical therapy. I believe that this book would be a great read for any child that loves to dance and has music in their soul. Definitely recommend reading it."

"If anyone has read my other reviews on this series, you will know how great they are. As expected, this gave a fantastic overview of what being a ballerina truly entails, from the ups and downs. I highly recommend this book for any young aspiring ballerinas."

"I just want to say this book is simply amazing. In this book you will understand that ballet isn't easy. Tells you what ballet dancers deal with, the pain they get and emotions. It's very simple to understand. Gives amazing deals."

"I really like this series! This book has great tips for beginners that are wanting to learn more about ballet. The art and fun facts were my favorite part! Definitely a good book for kids that are interested and want to learn every part of ballet before starting."

"Quite an interesting little book. I knew ballet took a lot of work, but it is really very intensive. My granddaughter takes ballet, and I read this book with the intention of being able to converse with her a little bit. It was a real eye opener. Of special interest to me was the American ballet dancers. At the end of the book, there are book suggestions where you can read their stories. There are several websites listed that you can go and visit and learn lots more. I’m looking forward to doing that with my Granddaughter."

"As an elementary teacher, I am always looking for books that introduce students to different career paths in a way that is both engaging and easy to understand. So You Want to Be a Ballet Dancer by Linda Soules does exactly that.

What I appreciated most about this book is how it goes beyond the graceful performances that children often associate with ballet and gives readers a realistic look at the dedication, practice, and perseverance required to become a dancer. It helps students understand that success in any field comes from hard work and commitment, which is such an important lesson for young readers.

The writing is clear and age-appropriate, making it accessible for students who are beginning to explore their interests and future goals. I could easily see this book sparking conversations in the classroom about following your passions and setting goals. The information is presented in a way that keeps students interested without feeling overwhelming.

I especially enjoyed how the book celebrates the art of dance while also highlighting the discipline behind it. Many children dream of performing on stage, and this book gives them an honest yet encouraging look at what that journey might involve.

Overall, this is a wonderful addition to classroom and school libraries. Linda Soules has created another informative and inspiring book that encourages young readers to dream big while understanding the effort it takes to achieve those dreams."

"Can't wait to share this with my future prima ballerina! Perfectly outlines not just the basics of ballet dancing, but the stamina and mental strength it requires to be successful as well."

"So You Want to Be a Ballet Dancer by Linda Soules is a children’s nonfiction book that introduces readers to the artistry and discipline behind ballet. Rather than presenting dance as purely graceful or effortless, the book emphasizes the athleticism, dedication, and emotional expression required to succeed, helping young readers understand the reality behind the beauty they see on stage. The narrative style is conversational and immersive, inviting children to imagine themselves learning movements, practicing daily, and performing for an audience.

The illustrations enhance the text by visually capturing both the elegance and effort of ballet, from poised dancers on stage to behind-the-scenes glimpses of training and rehearsal. The images are well-matched to the tone of the writing and help clarify complex ideas such as pointe work, body positioning, and movement vocabulary. They add energy and accessibility without distracting from the informative content, making it easier for readers to connect with the material. Overall, the combination of vivid prose and carefully developed visuals creates an inspiring and educational experience that encourages curiosity, appreciation for the arts, and a deeper understanding of what it takes to pursue a passion."

"This short educational book is perfect for any dancing child interested in the world of Ballet! It touched on so many important aspects from how small a space in a Pointe shoe is to balance on all the way to the mental dexterity it takes to stand strong and steady in poses and jumps. There are some very interesting facts including that Ballet was originally a male dominated industry until 1680’s or that all ballet positions are said in French and explain the movements of said positions. This was a fast yet delightful way to learn about what it means and looks like to become a Prima ballerina."

"Fantastic detail and explanation on becoming a ballet dancer. This book thoroughly explains the hard work, dedication and payoff of being a ballet dancer. I love the day in the life breakdown. This book details that the ballet life is not for everyone and yet it is for everyone too."

"This is the perfect starter book for kids who love dance. It shows them that ballet takes real practice and dedication, not just magic and costumes."

"Such a great book for kids! Very easy to read for elementary age kids, and informative with proper words for specific moves."

"This is the perfect short read for anyone wanting to get into dance, or more specifically, ballet. This book gives the reader the basics of ballet as well as emphasizing the importance of discipline, vocabulary, mental strength, and the relationships they go into ballet dancing. It is a passion that is not for the faint of heart, but for anyone willing to put the work in to achieve their goals, and this book describes that beautifully."

"I thought the book was very insightful about what being a ballet dancer is. It made me think of how maybe cheerleaders and ballet dancers are connected with one another. I loved learning the ballet terms and what they mean. I was glad to see the glossary at the end of the book as I was curious about ballet language. I've honestly have always been curious about ballet dancers and this book describes it beautifully. Wonderful read."

"Wonderfully written. Very factual and informative. Beautiful artwork."

"My daughter and I loved reading this. Happily found it to be more informative than I initially expected. I enjoyed its emphasis on the hard work and dedication that goes into ballet."

"This book is an amazing resource for young people who want to get into ballet. It tells the truth, not a fluffy princess version of ballet. I love how at the end it discusses not able dancers, male, female, black, white, and native American."

"I think this book is wonderful for inspiring dancers. Seems best for 9-13 year olds. But it is also very informative for all that have an interest. It doesn’t only tell of the positives but also the struggles. Really enjoyed this!"

"I love the 'So You Want to Be...' series. The books provide great information of the subject. This particular one about being a ballet dancer was very informative and my kid easily understood the job description. I liked this one since I danced ballet as a child and recalled fond memories of that time."

"This is beautifully illustrated. It is a great book for the younger reader who dreams of being a ballet dancer and helps them understand what to expect. It helps the reader to know how to succeed in ballet, including the dedication and discipline, it will take. The book gives details of the daily life of a dancer, the importance of training, and the rewards and challenges they will have.

The book encourages the aspiring dancer to follow their passion but also letting them see the realistic expectations. The writing is easy to understand by it is perfect for the 8 and up age group. I have a grand daughter who will love this book."

"Good book for those interested in the art of ballet. The illustrations are wonderful and make the book interesting for both adult and younger audiences. Bonus points for providing pronunciations."

"Great guide for kids - especially those who are looking toward competitive dance. It gives a lot of terms and explanations as well a good guide to what the day in a life of a professional ballet dancer looks like. I appreciate that it touches on taking care of yourself and how the image of what a typical ballet dancer is has changed over the years, now accepting all different shapes, colors and abilities of people to be ballet dancers."

"Even though these books are written for children, I always learn several new things. There are so many things that I loved about the book. The author really gets it right by doing her research and providing accurate and interesting information. She includes some basic ballet moves and how to pronounce them. She discusses the specialized shoes and the costume that a dancer wears. We learn about the hours of practice every day and what a typical day of a dancer might look like. The author provides little bios of some famous dancers and concludes the book by providing a multitude of websites and what information a child might gain from each site. The gorgeous illustrations include males and females of all ethnicities and abilities, so the book is inclusive. Her books never disappoint, so if your child has any inkling of wanting to dance, this book is perfect."

"Wonderful guide for kids to start leaning about the art of ballet. It goes over the terms, the exercises, and the mental fortitude one is required to learn to be successful in ballet. It provides advice to start learning ballet at home before even attending a class. It gives the names of the positions, and a guide to work on flexibility and strength training for class. The illustrations are also beautiful and eye-catching to help little kids remain engaged."

"An eye opening book for young dancers. I love that the book doesn't shy away from the hard truths of being a dancer: From the injuries, to the short careers, to the long and hard days. It shows that passion alone can't make you a good dancer. Bravo!"

"This book is a wonderful introduction for kids who dream of becoming ballet dancers. It explains ballet technique, training, stage performance, and the dedication it takes to succeed in a way that’s easy for young readers to understand. The engaging writing and encouraging tone make it both educational and inspiring. A great choice for aspiring dancers or any child curious about the art of ballet!"

"Very informative book. Teaches you all you need to know about ballet and getting started. Perfect for young kids especially if you read it out to them, but the illustrations are also great if they want to get involved as well. I’d recommend this to anyone starting out and want to know what the world of ballet involves."

"I really enjoyed, 'So you want to be a ballet dancer'. I'm now in my fifties, but at one time I was in all types of dancing including ballet, for over 20 years. The accuracy of this book was great.

This is a great book for anybody that has a daughter that is in awe of a ballet dancer and would like to pursue becoming a ballet dancer. This book talks about what it takes to be a ballet dancer and its ups and downs. 'So you want to be a ballet dancer' also covers what you have to put into it, what you're going to need physically, mentally, emotionally as well as the costumes and the shoes and the frequency of needing all of it. The book truly captures what a labor of love ballet dancing is."

"I wish I had this book, when my girls were little, and in ballet! It has so much info and facts about ballet, I know they would have loved it! The pictures are also pretty!"