Answ

ers: 1. I, 2

. A, 3

. H, 4

. B, 5

. J, 6. C

, 7. D

, 8. F, 9

. E, 10. G

BALLERINA LINGOThe world of ballet is filled with fabulous French words. How chic! Get to know the lingo (that’s a fancy word for language) by matching these words to their meanings. You’ll be sounding like a professional ballerina in no time!

Illustrations © by Robin Preiss Glasser. Permission to reproduce and distribute this page has been granted by the copyright holder, HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.

1. CURTsY2. JETé3. BARRE4. ARABEsQUE5. LEOTARD6. PIROUETTE7. RECITAL8. PLIé9. RELEVé

10. TUTU

A . A leap from one foot to the other

B. One leg stretched straight out to the back

C. A twirl while standing on the toe or ball of one foot

D. Ballet performance

E . To raise both heels to their points

F. To bend the knees

G. A fancy ballet skirt

H. A wooden railing used for dancers to warm up on

I. A graceful bow

J. Ballerina apparel

LEARN THE MOVEsIn order to choreograph your recital, you’ll need to learn some moves! The first five positions displayed below are the basics that every ballerina needs to master to become a graceful dancer.

Instead of using a barre for balance, use a table or chair. Remember, practice makes perfect!

First Position

Place heels next to each other and turn your feet out only

as far as is comfortable.

Third Position

Place the heel of your right foot in front of the

arch of your left foot. Your feet should be touching.

Second Position

Now move your feet apart from each other, keeping with

the same position as in the first.

Fourth Position

From third position, slide your front foot forward.

Fifth Position

From fourth position, move the front foot back

toward you so the heel touches the toes of

your back foot.

Illustrations © by Robin Preiss Glasser. Permission to reproduce and distribute this page has been granted by the copyright holder, HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.

MAGNIFICENT As A MERMAIDFollow the instructions below to create the perfect ballerina accessory . . . a mermaid’s wand.

With your wand in hand, you’re sure to be the star of any recital!

Illustrations © by Robin Preiss Glasser. Permission to reproduce and distribute this page has been granted by the copyright holder, HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.

You’ll need:Oak tag

12'' wooden dowel

Sand

Seashells

Glitter

Craft glue

Scissors

Here’s how:Cut out the starfish template and trace it onto a piece of colored oak tag. Then cut that out for a sturdy wand base.

Decorate the starfish by gluing seashells and sand to the front. Add some glitter for a shimmer effect.

Glue the tip of the dowel to the backside of the starfish. Enjoy your magnificent wand!

Safety note:This craft activity involves cutting and gluing. Please ask an adult for assistance.

CREATE A PERFORMANCE PROGRAMCreate a program for your attendees, informing them of all the important details about the recital.

Jazz it up using colored markers, a sprinkle of glitter, and some stickers. As a nice gesture, bake a delectable dessert for your guests to enjoy during intermission (that’s fancy for breaktime).

Illustrations © by Robin Preiss Glasser. Permission to reproduce and distribute this page has been granted by the copyright holder, HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.

Safety note:This craft activity involves cutting and gluing. Please ask an adult for assistance.

(your name here)

ProudlYPresents

(name of your ballet)

Ballet recital

Date:

Time:

Place:

Program

Warm-up

Performance (Act l)

intermission (Delicious refreshments provided)

Performance (Act II)

Final curtsy (Standing ovations and bouquets are welcome)

Illus

trat

ions

© b

y Rob

in P

reis

s G

lass

er.

CAPTURE A MEMORYDisplay a photo or draw a picture from your recital using this fantastique (that’s fancy for amazing) picture frame.

Be sure to place it in a spot where everyone can see it! After all, you’re a star ballerina now!

Illustrations © by Robin Preiss Glasser. Permission to reproduce and distribute this page has been granted by the copyright holder, HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.

(your name here)

PRIMA BALLERINASafety note:This craft activity involves cutting. Please ask an adult for assistance.

A COLORFUL CREATIONColor the image of Fancy Nancy below, adding your own embellishment

(that’s fancy for decoration) to the background.

Illustrations © by Robin Preiss Glasser. Permission to reproduce and distribute this page has been granted by the copyright holder, HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.

GET THE LOOk (TAkE-HOME ACTIVITY)With ballerinas, it’s all about the costume! It’s the finishing touch, once you have the moves and the mind-set.

Follow these simple instructions for how to create an easy-to-make, fashionable tutu.

Illustrations © by Robin Preiss Glasser. Permission to reproduce and distribute this page has been granted by the copyright holder, HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.

tWirling tutuYou’ll need:

Elastic band

Scissors

Tulle

Ribbon

Here’s how:Measure a piece of elastic band around your waist.

Stretch the elastic band around a book or pot.

Cut a 14-inch strip of tulle.

Tie the strip at its halfway point around the elastic band. The tulle should hang from the elastic band.

Keep cutting and tying new strips of the same length next to each other until the elastic band is covered.

For an even fancier effect, tie pieces of ribbon along with the tulle or attach sequins throughout the tutu. Be prepared to look magnifique (that’s fancy for really beautiful)!

Safety note:This craft activity involves cutting. Please ask an adult for assistance.