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Zusatztext The story of a child who overcomes what could have been devastating obstacles to reach the heights of artistic achievement has become a staple of picture-book biographies! but this one has an especially warm glow around it. Robert Battle’s journey to the center of the New York dance world — he is currently the artistic director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater — started out in Florida! where as a child he was raised by a cousin after his mother wasn’t able to care for him! and was forced to wear painful metal braces to straighten his legs. In the hands of the Ransomes! a husband-and-wife team! Robert’s life is a classic inspirational story of family love! faith and passionate artistic devotion. His “mama Dessie!” the cousin who takes him in! surrounds him with music and tender care! but sends him to karate lessons too! since the streets aren’t quite so nice. “Do you think I can be the first black Baryshnikov?” Robert asks when his braces have come off and he begins to study ballet. His sights are always upward! and yet the story emanates gentleness. In James E. Ransome’s realistic pastel portraits! Battle! his family and his teachers all seem lit from within. Informationen zum Autor Lesa Cline-Ransome Klappentext A boy discovers his passion for dance and becomes a modern hero in this inspiring picture book biography of Robert Battle, artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Zusammenfassung “In James E. Ransome’s realistic pastel portraits, Battle, his family, and his teachers all seem lit from within.” — The New York Times Book Review A boy discovers his passion for dance and becomes a modern hero in this inspiring picture book biography of Robert Battle, artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. When Robert Battle was a boy wearing leg braces, he never dreamed he’d study at Juilliard. Though most dancers begin training at an early age, it wasn’t until Robert was a teenager that his appreciation for movement—first from martial arts, then for ballet—became his passion. But support from his family and teachers paired with his desire and determination made it possible for Robert to excel. After years of hard work, the young man who was so inspired by a performance of Alvin Ailey’s Revelations became the artistic director of the very company that motivated him. Today, under Robert’s leadership, Alvin Ailey continues to represent the African American spirit through dance. Featuring illustrations brimming with vibrant color and swirling motion, this biographical picture book from husband-and-wife team James Ransome and Lisa Cline-Ransome includes a foreword from Robert Battle himself as well as a bibliography, suggested further reading, and an author’s note....
