Darcey Bussell reveals the childhood book that inspired her dance career

Royal Academy of Dance releases top 10 inspirational childhood dance books in winter issue of Dance Gazette

Darcey Bussell has revealed Noel Streatfeild’s seminal novel Ballet Shoes inspired her dance career, in the winter issue of the Royal Academy of Dance’s magazine, Dance Gazette.

The book topped the list of the most inspirational childhood dance books of all time, released by Dance Gazette. It was compiled by the Royal Academy of Dance as part of its on-going work to encourage young people to develop an interest in dance from an early age.

Darcey said: ‘From Ballet Shoes to Angelina Ballerina, books about dance are fantastic for aspiring and practising young dancers – revealing to them the joy that dance can provide in an entertaining and educational way. 

‘Ballet Shoes is a personal favourite and I read it to my own daughter when she was younger too – it still has a place on my bookshelf. The lessons it teaches about the power of having dreams, and believing in them, are still as relevant for children today as they were when the book was published in 1937.

The books Dance Gazette highlights provide an insight into the importance of working hard, training as much as possible, the excitement of being on stage and the friends to be met at class, and should be encouraged to be read by every young dancer.’

Other titles featured in the list include the 1967 novel The Glided Bat by Edward Gorey and the more recent 2014 story Rupert Can Dance by Jules Feiffer.  The Royal Academy of Dance said that it has re-developed its syllabus over the years with a child-centred approach to promote and foster creativity and self-expression through movement. The books on the list reflect the many ways dance classes can enrich a child’s life – bringing them fun, joy and creativity. 

Melanie Murphy of the RAD commented:  “Our fully qualified dance teachers, located throughout the world, regularly undertake Continuing Professional Development activities designed to equip them with the latest skills, knowledge and ideas to teach more than just the ‘steps’ required to pass an exam; they are encouraged to help every child reach their full potential in a structured but fun and creative way. Young students are encouraged to ‘create’ and to ‘perform’, whether in dance class or an exam.

“Giraffes Can’t Dance’ is a particular favourite of mine as I read it to my little boy – it teaches children that it is ok to be different, to explore the world in your own way and to find freedom and joy through music and dance. That is a valuable lesson for young children, especially boys, and I truly believe that the RAD’s syllabus and teaching ethos lets children do just that.”

David Jays, Editor of Dance Gazette, said: “The best children's books, like the best dance productions, can set a young imagination alight. Ballet Shoes is a deservedly beloved classic among dance stories, with its big dreams and surprisingly gritty realism. Dance has also inspired genius illustrators like Maurice Sendak, Edward Gorey and Jules Feiffer to create surreal, sinister or delightfully silly tales. We hope that Dance Gazette’s list of favourite titles will enthuse and inspire young readers and dancers alike."