Joann FerraraCritiques

Ballerina Dreams features prima ballerinas Nicole, Shekinah, Veronica, Abbey, and Monica, five young girls with cerebral palsy, and their teacher and physical therapist, Joann Ferrara. This book is such a beautiful example of inclusion. The text is sensitive and positive and the photographs show so much joy, hope, and determination among the girls.

What an incredibly beautiful story of some incredibly determined little ballerinas! Joann Ferrara was a physical therapist in Queens and saw a need for a special dance class for some very special little dancers. She created a ballet class for students with cerebral palsy. These little girls dreamed of being ballerinas, but other dance studios were unable to accommodate their special circumstances. This is when Joann stepped up and helped these amazing little dancers achieve their dreams!
The story is beautiful and the photographs contained throughout are so uplifting! Each of the smiles that the reader sees on each of these precious little girls' faces is enough to make your heart sing! If I had to identify one aspect of the book that did not quite appeal to me (and it is really nit-picky), it would be the text color of the photo captions. I know, it is so minute, but I would be lying if I said it didn't distract me from the story. The text of the story is black and the photo caption text is white. The background color of the entire book is pink, so the white on pink combination was a little tough to read at times (and I have perfect eyesight). If it were just a small little caption, it wouldn't have bothered me so much, but the captions, at times, almost continued the story. I hate to even mention something so trivial, but I think a small adjustment to font choice, color, or placement would have made it much better.
Please do not let my small discrepancy persuade you from reading this beautiful book! The story of these little ballerinas preparing for their first on-stage performance left this dance teacher with tears in her eyes. Anytime you can read about a child accomplishing a dream is amazing! There is nothing better than seeing a child succeed and feel a sense of accomplishment.

When dreams come true! This book is a true story about a very special group of ballerinas in Queens, New York. Upon hearing that traditional dance schools in her area would not accommodate dancers with disabilities, Physical Therapist Joann Ferrara started her own ballet class! The beautiful, bouncy, ballerinas get a chance to dance each week learning new routines, wearing tutus, sparkly makeup, and even participating in a recital, just like their other dancer friends in their neighborhoods and schools. With the aid of their dance teacher and helpers, the girls were able to participate and refine their dance moves in spite of having Cerebral Palsy and other muscle disorders. The author uses a narrative structure and includes unique information in the back about each ballerina, their physical therapist dance teacher, and personal helpers, there is even an informational section titled More About Cerebral Palsy. The lovely photographs of the dancers themselves are accompanied by specific and explanatory captions. The little girls in my Preschool Special Needs class loved this book!

This is an extremely touching book that brought tears to my eyes. I was able to read this to a three year old girl I know that loves dancing. She saw the book on the table and immediately asked "Can you read me the ballerina book?" She did not notice one difference between those girls and when she dances. The only reason she even noticed the helpers with the girls was because she thought one looked like her mom. I love this book because even those that need some physical help still want to go on stage and dance. There is actually a dance company in Atlanta called Full Radius Dance and their mission is to promote "physically integrated dance." When I first saw this book, it immediately reminded me of that company. They have both physically capable and physically disabled adults that dance together. Both the book and dance company, show us how beautiful we all are and how we can all achieve this art form even if it is in a different way.½

This book is a true story document about five little disability girls and their dreams to become ballerinas and to dance onstage. It is an inspiring and moving story about dreams and resolution.
Ages - (5-8)
Source - Pierce County Library System

Nicole, Shekinah, Veronica, Abbey and Monica are five little girls, ages three to seven, whose dreams of being ballerinas are about to come true. Joann Ferrara, a physical therapist, started a ballet class for these girls when she heard their parent's saying how they wanted the girls to be able to take ballet like other kids. This ballet class replaces the physical therapy sessions required for people with Cerebral Palsy (Erb's palsy in one case). I really enjoyed this book. It wasn't until one of the very last page in the book that it Cerebral Palsy was even mentioned. These were five adorable happy children who finally got to perform in their recital, to be real ballerinas. The information given at the end of the book about cerebral palsy is a great addition for readers.

Ballerina Dreams is a true story about five incredible little girls who desire to become ballerinas despite having cerebral palsy or other physical disabilities. The girls practice extremely hard for their recital with their dance teacher and their helpers, and at the end of the book, they dance beautifully in their recital. The illustrations allow the reader to emotionally connect with the girls. One of my favorite parts about this book is that the author describes the girls as graceful, beautiful, and strong, which are all adjectives used to describe a ballerina without a physical disability. The girls are not defined by their disability but by their strength and perseverance. These sweet girls were giving a chance to chase their dream and engaged in an experience that they will never forget. The end of the book provides a section to learn more about the ballerinas, the teacher, and the helpers. In addition, the author provides a page for readers to learn more about cerebral palsy, which would be great for an elementary classroom full of students that are unaware of the condition. The last page of the book provides a beautiful illustration to depict the beauty of a dancer with cerebral palsy.½

“Ballerina Dreams,” is a true story about five little girls who all have different disabilities. The story shows how the ballet class helps them in different ways. The class helped them build up their muscles and confidence. The young girls have helpers that help them through their numbers on the stage. The little girls are so excited that they got to perform on the stage for their families and friends. The story is truly inspirational for all ages. The story shows how the little girls never gave up and they believed in themselves. It also shows light on the different disabilities that each one of them has. It helps raise awareness of the different forms of disabilities that are out there.

“Ballerina Dreams,” is all about making a dream come true for five special girls. They have cerebral palsy, besides one little girl that has a condition called Erb’s palsy. They all have something in common; they want to be ballerinas just like their sisters, cousins, or friends. The girls work hard all year long for their special performance. There are helpers available that help them reach their goal. The day finally arrives and all of the girls are ready to rock! They twirl and dance to songs from Swan Lake and impress all of their family and friends. All of the girls advanced and now were doing things that seemed unreachable. Some are standing for a few seconds on their own, while others have learned to sit up better. Each and every girl accomplished something throughout their time at the dance studio. The girls got stronger, but most of all, they became ballerinas. And beautiful ones at that.

Five young girls, Nicole, Shekinah, Veronica, Monica, and Abbey, have a lot in common. They all share the dream of being ballerinas and also all live with cerebral palsy. They felt that making this dream come true would be next to impossible. However, this did not stop them. These girls went to many dance class practices. They learned that some of them could not keep their balance, some had trouble walking, and some had to use a wheelchair or walker to get around. As readers we get to take this journey with them and see all of what they overcame to reach their goals. Being that this is a true story made this even more special. I was so happy for these girls as I was reading and even got goose bumps many times throughout the story. Seeing their dream of being ballerinas unfold was amazing. I loved how we were also able to see real pictures of the girls practicing, getting ready, and dancing.

"Ballerina Dreams" is a book about a group of young girls who had cerebral palsy and other muscular disorders that hindered their movements. These girls dreamed of becoming ballerinas, and through hard work and dedication they were able to do just that. The best part about this book were the photographs that are within the book, bringing to life the story.
The book shows that no matter what the obstacle may be, there is always a way around it to reach your ultimate goal.

Color photos and the narration focus on five little girls with cerebral
palsy who dance a ballet recital with their classmates for their
families. The girls are part of a ballet program called Dancing Dreams, founded by Joann Ferrara. The program enables girls with cerebral palsy to take ballet classes like other girls and is a supplement to physical therapy. Exuberant photos of proud parents and excited girls decked out in tutu finery.

Five young girls all had the same dream, to be ballerinas. They wanted to be just like other girls, girls who get to dance on a stage wearing tutus and tiaras. But, these girls were not like other little girls, they each had muscle disorders, like cerebral palsy, and they have trouble moving. Fortunately, all of these girls were able to learn ballet and even put on a beautiful recital, called "Wishes and Dreams" thanks to their dance teacher, Joann, and special helpers who help them dance on stage.
This book is truly beautiful and inspiring, these girls never once gave up or complained. They did not allow their disability to stop them from chasing their dreams. I loved seeing all of the pictures of them throughout the book, they were constantly smiling and laughing. I also enjoyed the end of the book that told a little bit more about cerebral palsy as well as the "meet the ballerinas" afterward that told about each ballerina.

Ballerina Dreams is a true story of five beautiful little girls ranging from ages 3-7 with various disabilities who dream big. Abbey, Monica, Nicole, Veronica, and Shekinah all desire to become ballerinas and dance on stage; however, their bodies don't necessarily move they way the girls would like. Physical therapist, Joann Ferrara teaches the girls ballet, along with the help of her assistants who are individually paired with a young girl. Finally the big day arrives and the girls perform a special review where they wear beautiful tutus and dance to songs from The Nutcracker and conclude with "When You Wish upon a Star." Not only will the story itself move you to tears, but the real pictures captured will bring this beautiful moment to life.

A very good book on five young girls who are determined to master the art of ballet. Although, it may be really hard since they have physical disabilities in the brain that prevent them from moving particular body parts. In this case, all five girls receive intense training that helps move their various body parts. All five girls love ballet. This book is written in documentary type of way to help the readers see what it was like for these young, strong, steadfast girls.

Ages 5-8.

Ballerina Dreams is not just about pink backgrounds, glittery makeup, tutus, and sparkles. The narrative follows a diverse group of girls with cerebral palsy or other muscle disorders who are working towards their dream of a ballet recital on stage.

Thompson’s narrative explains that the girls move in different ways than other ballerinas and that is ok. The text emphasizes that the girls are putting in hard work to be the best ballerinas they can be, and to reach their dream of performing for their family and friends.

Estrin’s pictures of the girls and their recital exude joyfulness, capturing the girls’ expressions of concentration, pride, and delight. Many pictures show the girls' canes and braces. The captions explain how these devices and muscle exercises assist the girls in their mobility and strength.

A “More about Cerebral Palsy” page provides children with a solid introduction to CP. It explains that CP affects communication between the brain and muscles, isn’t contagious, and while incurable, physical therapy can help muscles to be as strong and responsive as possible.

This book supports children with disabilities in seeing themselves represented in children’s literature. It will facilitate all readers’ appreciation that children have differences but share important commonalities such as dreams and aspirations. Ballerina Dreams explores human differences with respect and celebration. Recommended.

ballet, disabilities, dance, dreams

This was a story about 5 little girls who all had some sort of muscle disorder. Each one wanted to be a ballerina, but it was hard because of their disorders. There was a lady who decided to teach these girls ballet. They learned for weeks, then they put on a recital. This shows that even children with muscle disorders can do something everyone else can. I certainly would read this to my students because it is a powerful story.

I liked the photography in the book and the fact it is based on a true story. The girls do something no one thinks they will be able to do and they do an amazing job.

This book touched my heart. It almost brought tears to my eyes. It is an excellent showing the struggle some children face with disabilities. It is based on a true story of five young girls who dreamed of dancing but were unable to because of their disabilities. This book is inspiring and shows the determination of the little girls.

Ballerina Dreams is the tear jerker true story of young ladies who aspire to be ballerinas. They have to work very hard at hat they want because the have diseases that affect movement such as cerebral palsy. The girls work hard to perform at the end of the program dance recital. The girls a great role models due to their effort and persistence,

Nothing is impossible! Five little ballerinas learn that dreams really do come true when they all perform ballet on stage for an encouraging audience, which is filled with family and friends. Opening with a beautiful poem, this true story is filled with inspiration, hope, and happiness as it depicts the journey of five little girls in their quest to achieve their wildest dreams. What makes this story stand out is the number of challenges this young girls overcome to reach their heart's desire. The five dancers are all physically disabled but, this does not deter them. They only become stronger, proving they are not limited by their disabilities. With the dedication and support, teachers and volunteers make their dreams reality by participating in the program, put in place by Joann Ferrara.

A true story of five little girls with muscle disorders that live out a life dream of being a ballerina. The girls get dressed in their tutus, leotards, and ballet slippers and head off to ballet class where adults help them stand and use crutches to move about and practice ballet. They prepare for a final recital, where they get dressed up in makeup and costumes and perform on stage as ballerinas with their parents behind them as a support. This is a heart warming book that shows how someone went the extra mile to plan a successful "impossibility" for these girls and make it possible. Loved this book so much I cried!

"When you wish upon a star
makes no difference who you are
Anything your heart desires will come to you"

Ballerina Dreams is a true story about five girls who each have cerebral palsy, or a form of it. They were unable to move their muscles like everyone else, but they didn't care; they wanted to become ballerinas. And they did. Their perseverance and dedication to being on stage performing for their family and friends helped them to move in ways they never dreamed of being able to. No matter their disability, they were still able to follow their dream.

Ballerina Dreams is a true story of five young girls who want and dream to dance just the way that ballerina’s do. They share their dreams with their physical therapist who supplements physical therapy with ballerina dance lessons. The girls need help and are spend a year practicing the dance. All the girls have some sort of muscular disability. Overcoming their disability and focusing on their abilities the girls are ready to perform. They dress in beautiful ballerina attire, tiaras, sparkly eye makeup, and shimmery lip gloss. The girls do a wonder job performing dances from The Nut Cracker, Swan Lake, and finish with stars for their grand finale.