Opening the wonderful world of ballet and music to children is a goal for every teacher of ballet -- and of music. With the teacher as guide, children can experience the exhilaration of expressing the range of human emotions with their body and music as one. This book is based on my 17 plus years of experience as a ballet teacher committed to achieving this goal. It presents the history and stories of many of the great ballets in chronological order, from its beginnings in Italy and France in the 16th and 17th centuries, up through 20th century America. Created in part with the spirit of Prokofiev's "Peter and The Wolf" in mind, the book can be used in a similar manner, using movement, story, and music to teach children musical awareness. It adapts the stories of these ballets as portrayed in dance and music. Equally important, this book includes age-appropriate exercises, or improvisations, closely tied to the music, which the teacher can suggest for the children to perform to the music. Children become familiar with the ballets of the past as well as develop a sense of musical awareness and the ability to use their imagination. Young children do not need any training in ballet, dance, or music to benefit from the book and its exercises. Discovering the art of ballet and music is a joy for any child, and can last for a lifetime. It is my hope that this book will help dance and music teachers convey this joy and understanding and love of the arts. Anne Easterling-Freifelder"