I TOOK A BALLET CLASS in college to improve my football. I like to think it made me more graceful. Last year, I returned to dance to observe and sketch.

This book is the result. It's about the process of how one dance comes together—from choreographing to rehearsing to the curtain coming up. I went to a lot of performances: Alvin Ailey in New York, Mark Morris in Berkeley, other performances that can best be described as "interesting." But what was most useful for me was seeing dancers rehearse. I sketched a class at the Alvin Ailey School. I hung out at a modern dance class at the University of California. I was able to observe dancers' rhythms: stretching, sweating, drinking water, practicing until each move is perfect. Watching that class, and writing this book, gave me a huge appreciation for the athleticism and hard work that goes into creating a dance.

See an excerpt from Dance!

REVIEWS

ONE OF THE NEW YORK TIMES BEST ILLUSTRATED CHILDREN'S BOOKS OF 2001

New York Times 11.18.01
"'Dance!,' written and illustrated by Elisha Cooper, is a thoroughly contemporary look at a modern dance company at work. There are no stars; everyone is the same size, rendered in minimal lines and neat little daubs of wash looping over roomy white pages. Physicality and the dedication of individuals to a company are cheerfully conveyed."

Publishers Weekly 7.30.01
"Cooper again simply and effectively zeroes in on a pastime to which youngsters are likely to be favorably disposed . . . emphasizing the meticulous rehearsal process rather than the performance. Cooper's illuminating depiction of the many steps leading up to the grand event are deserving of enthusiastic applause."

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books 9.1.01 · STARRED REVIEW
"Few illustrators, save perhaps James Stevenson, can coax quite so much expression and animation from a few dashes of fine brushwork and a smear or two of watercolor fill . . . [those] whose sophistication has just about outrun picture books will also revel in both the wry humor and the artistry."

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Blue Ribbon 2001 by a 'Rising Star'

Published by:
Greenwillow (HarperCollins) 2001
ISBN 0-06-029418-3 $16