Review Detail

Brown Girls Do Ballet explores the spectrum of dancers with dark skin tones and affirming words. The photographs feature girls with light and darker tones, an array of hair and styles, different ages, body types, and one in a wheelchair to be as inclusive as possible. The children are elegant and show off their moves in a variety of poses that invite the reader to stop and appreciate the excellence on exhibit. The words are poetic, conveying positive affirmations and the strength of the dancer’s capabilities. The photographs have a mix of the traditional dance classroom and many urban or natural settings throughout. With a title that includes the words “taking center stage”, I do wish that there were a page or more with the children on a stage or dance recital to show how their hard work has paid off. Overall, this book gives positive messages that brown girls deserve their place in dance.