Youth Dance book releases of 2024 – Dances with the pen

Many works intended for young readers were published during this year. A new series featuring students from the Points Schoolthe last volume of the comic strip Emma and Capucinea lovely story told by Petipa, the most famous dog at the Operaan album to discover the Creole quadrille. And also Danse !, “advice, tips and memories” of the star dancer Aurélie Dupont.

DANSE ! BY AURELIE DUPONT

Published on October 2, 2024 by Albin Michel Jeunesse.

The author – Star Dancer, Aurélie Dupont was Director of Dance at the Paris Opera from 2016 to 2022. In April 2024, she published Don't forget why you dance published by Albin Michel.

Our opinion – How to place your gaze, choose your pointe shoes, take care of your feet or do your bun, who better than a Star Dancer to provide advice experienced over many years. After the success of his biography released in the spring, Aurélie Dupont targets a children's audience with a book that answers a number of practical or psychological questions such as “Believe in yourself and give your best” or “Ask yourself why you dance”. The work entitled Danse ! (a nod to the Anne-Marie-Pol series?) is peppered with memories in stories and photos (rich iconography, particularly from the years of youth where we discover unpublished photos): my worn with Nicolas Le Rich, my costumes and me, my Benois Dance Prize, my dear partners… Enough to inspire many vocations.

Age range – From 8 years old.

Danse ! – by Aurélie Dupont

EMMA AND CAPUCINE (VOLUME 8) BY JEROME HAMON AND LENA SAYAPHOUM

Published on September 27, 2024 by Dargaud editions.

The authors – Graduated from a business school and an American university, Jerome Hamon began his professional life in New York, as a financial analyst. Convinced that his life lies elsewhere, he leaves this environment two years later, and sets off to travel around the world. Back in France, he gained experience in cinema, video games and television. In 2017, he imagined Emma and Capucinea children's series on classical dance and hip-hop. Drawing has always been at the heart of the interests of Lena Sayaphoum and his sensitivity. After training in 2D and 3D computer graphics, she multiplies her experiences in different studios: In 2017, she launched her first comic book, Emma and Capucinewhich links his interest in drawing to another of his passions: dance.

Our opinion – This last volume marks the end of this series evoking the parallel journeys of two sisters passionate about dance: Emma, attracted by hip-hop, and Capucine, a student at the Paris Opera Dance School. We leave the two young girls on the cusp of adulthood, ready to set off towards their new life. The charm of this series is to have mixed the two personalities by evoking their commitment to dance, but also their romantic discoveries. The scenario always reserves a few surprises and the drawing is full of liveliness.

Age range – From 9 years old.

Emma and Capucine by Jerome Hamon and Lena Sayaphoum

THE POINTS SCHOOL BY DÉBORAH MIRABEL AND ANNE POMEL

Published on September 18, 2024 by Flammarion jeunesse editions.

The authors – Kindergarten teacher, but also author for young people, Deborah Mirabel is also passionate about dancing. Anne Pomel has a degree in graphic design and fashion design, she is an illustrator for young people and for the press.

Our opinion – Here are the first two volumes (The new student and The regional competition) of a new series of novels which take place in a dance school. Here is the Pointes school, the best in the region that young Jessy dreams of joining. Emerging friendships, emulation, it takes temperament to assert yourself and find your place. Each of the volumes centers on a student, Jessy in the first, Alicia in the second. We hope for Hugo, the only male representative, in the third, undoubtedly in preparation. Unless the plague of Margaux deprives him of his politeness.

Age range – From 8-10 years old.

The school of points by Déborah Mirabel and Anne Pomel

SARABAND BY MARTINE PLANELLS

Published on June 10, 2024 by Les Petites Mustaches.

The author – Martine Planells is a journalist, dance specialist. She is the author of Anna Pavlova, l’Incomparable (Gremese Editions, 2019). Published by Les Petites Moustaches, she has already published And become Immortal… Yvette Chauviré, Star of the Opera in 2021.

Our opinion – This novel will delight fans of mysteries and homes haunted by memories. Indeed, Jeanne, the heroine, a dancer at the Opera, lives in a house that belonged to Madame, a famous ballerina. Everything would be fine if the front door didn't creak every evening at 10:24 p.m. sharp! Enough to fuel night terrors and anxiety in the young woman who repeats the role of a Wili. Everything gets mixed up and risks ending badly…

Age range – From 15 years old.

Saraband by Martine Planells

THE LITTLE DOG AND THE DANCER BY MARTINE PLANELLS

Published on June 10, 2024 by Les Petites Mustaches.

Our opinion – We fell in love with this story told by Petita, a friendly doggie picked up from the street by a Star Dancer at the Paris Opera. Quickly adopted by the entire Palais Garnier, he quickly knew its every nook and cranny. Everything is going wonderfully with the woman he named the Princess until her former master decides to tarnish this beautiful understanding… The author sows numerous nods to the world of ballet throughout the story. , which makes this novel as fun as it is erudite.

Age range – From 8-9 years old.

The little dog and the dancer – Martine Planells

I TOO DANCE THE QUADRILLE BY ISABELLE CALABRE AND COLOMBINE MAJOU

Published on January 12, 2024 by Caraïbéditions.

The authors – Journalist, Isabelle Calabria has published several works on classical and contemporary dance. Graduated from the Gobelins school in 2018, Columbine Majou practices drawing independently.

Our opinion – Through Anita, the young Guadeloupean heroine introduced to the Creole quadrille by her grandmother Mamie Nita, this album introduces this dance still practiced overseas. A dive into the history of the Antilles and Guyana. Interspersed with terms included in a glossary located on the last pages, the beautifully illustrated work is a fun and educational exploration of this dance inspired by the European model of which there are several variations.

Age range – From 6 years old. To be published in 2025 I dance hip-hop too et I too dance ballet.

I too dance the quadrille – Isabelle Calabre

And also

At DALP, we are fans of Anne-Marie Pol. The editorial team is therefore very happy to see that the series Danse ! has had a facelift in recent months with new covers! The first two volumes were released in June and the third is released on November 28, 2024. The new generation will love Nina.