Ballet Besties: Yara’s Chance to Dance

Yara is delighted when she and her parents settle permanently in one country, as she can finally attend regular dance lessons. Yara adores ballet and is excited to join Miss Diamond’s “Shimmer and Shine” class, where she quickly befriends the other dancers.  

However, the future of the class is put in jeopardy when the austere landlady, Dame Audrey, threatens to close the dance studio. Determined to change Dame Audrey’s mind, Yara devises a plan to win her over: she persuades Miss Diamond that they should stage a special performance of The Sleeping Beauty and invite Dame Audrey as the guest of honour. Everyone pulls together to make the show a success, but will their hard work pay off? 

The first in a series, this inclusive, heartwarming chapter book features characters of different genders, ethnicities and ages, who are united by their love of dance. Sure to appeal to ballet enthusiasts, the tale is peppered with descriptions of different ballet techniques, and includes a glossary of ballet terms, as well as diagrams of basic arm and foot positions. The series is co-authored by a principal dancer of the Royal Ballet and enhanced by lively black-and-white illustrations.