My Story, My Dance: Robert Battle's Journey to Alvin Ailey
My Story, My Dance: Robert Battle's Journey to Alvin Ailey
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My Story, My Dance: Robert Battle's Journey to Alvin Ailey

Written by Lesa Cline-Ransome & illustrated by James E. Ransome
Hardcover
$19.99
$18.99
5 - 10
Reading age
48
Page count
37
Words per page
970L
Lexile measure
Oct 27, 2015
Publication date

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Publisher Summary

A boy discovers his passion for dance and becomes a modern hero in this inspiring picture book biography of Robert Battle, artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. When Robert Battle was a boy wearing leg braces, he never dreamed he’d study at Juilliard. Though most dancers begin training at an early age, it wasn’t until Robert was a teenager that his appreciation for movement—first from martial arts, then for ballet—became his passion. But support from his family and teachers paired with his desire and determination made it possible for Robert to excel. After years of hard work, the young man who was so inspired by a performance of Alvin Ailey’s Revelations became the artistic director of the very company that motivated him. Today, under Robert’s leadership, Alvin Ailey continues to represent the African American spirit through dance. Featuring illustrations brimming with vibrant color and swirling motion, this biographical picture book from husband-and-wife team James Ransome and Lisa Cline-Ransome includes a foreword from Robert Battle himself as well as a bibliography, suggested further reading, and an author’s note. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater was founded in 1958 by choreographer Alvin Ailey. He envisioned a company dedicated to enriching the American modern dance heritage and preserving the uniqueness of the African-American cultural experience. When Mr. Ailey began creating dances, he drew upon his “blood memories” of his home state of Texas, the blues, spirituals, and gospel inspiration, which resulted in the creation of his most popular and critically acclaimed work, Revelations. Since its founding, the company has performed in seventy-one countries on six continents. It’s repertory includes works by Mr. Ailey and ninety other choreographers, and new works are commissioned each year. Judith Jamison succeeded Mr. Ailey as artistic director, and in 2011, she selected Robert Battle to be her successor. Learn more at AlvinAiley.org.

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    Book Details

    ISBN
    9781481422215
    Publication Date
    October 27, 2015
    Publisher
    Simon and Schuster-Paula Wiseman Books
    Page Count
    48
    Words Per Page
    37
    Audience
    Picture
    Reading Age
    5 - 10 years
    Lib. of Congress (LCCN)
    2014007181
    Lexile® Level
    970L
    Est. Fountas & Pinnell Level
    ~W
    ATOS® Book Level
    5.4
    Accelerated Reader® Points
    0.5
    Accelerated Reader Quiz
    177375
    Accelerated Reader Interest Level
    LG

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