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A Dance Like Starlight: One Ballerina's Dream
Last updated Monday, March 3, 2025
Author: Kristy Dempsey
Illustrator: Floyd Cooper
Date of Publication: 2014
ISBN: 0399252843
Grade Level: 2nd (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Mar. 2025
Synopsis:
Little ballerinas have big dreams. Dreams of pirouettes and grande jetes, dreams of attending the best ballet schools and of dancing starring roles on stage. But in Harlem in the 1950s, dreams don't always come true - they take a lot of work and a lot of hope. And sometimes hope is hard to come by.
But the first African-American prima ballerina, Janet Collins, did make her dreams come true. And those dreams inspired ballerinas everywhere, showing them that the color of their skin couldn't stop them from becoming a star.
| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Do you like to dance?
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What is your favorite dance?
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Have you performed such as danced, sang, acted or played an instrument for your friends or family before?
Vocabulary
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Dream: a cherished aspiration, ambition, or ideal.
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Rehearsal: a practice or trial performance of a play or other work for later public performance.
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Costume: a set of clothes in a style typical of a particular country or historical period.
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Ballet: a theatrical art form using dancing, music, and scenery to convey a story, theme, or atmosphere.
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Recital: the performance of a program of music by a solo instrumentalist or singer or by a small group.
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Why was it hard to find a star in the night sky?
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Where does mama work?
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What was the little girl’s dream?
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Who is Janet Collins?
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What did Ms. Collins perform on stage? (Ask students if they would like to demonstrate)
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| Craft ideas: |
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In the story, the little girl had a love of dancing and had a dream of being a ballerina. What is your dream? Do you dream to be a ballerina, doctor, football player or perhaps a world renown chef. Draw a picture of what you dream to be and share with your classmates. Materials needed: Construction paper, slim markers, crayons, stencil, and scissors.
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Spring is right around the corner. Use the supplies provided to create a spring card for teacher. Perhaps a rainbow- or rainbow-colored flowers for the Spring Card. They will love it. Thank you, teachers! Materials needed: Construction paper, slim markers, crayons, stencil, and scissors.
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Samples of each of the above crafts are at https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/march-2025-music-entertainment/grade-2/
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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