Danza!: Amalia Hernández and El Ballet Folklórico de México

In the picture book Danza!, award-winning author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh tells the story of Amalia Hernández, dancer and founder of El Ballet Folklórico de México.

Winner of the Pura Belpré Award and the Robert F. Sibert Medal

"A vivid celebration of Mexican culture, art, and life." ―School Library Journal (Starred Review)

As a child, Amalia saw a pair of dancers in the town square. The way they stomped and swayed to the rhythm of the beat inspired her. She knew one day she would become a dancer. Amalia studied ballet and modern dance under the direction of skilled teachers who had performed in world-renowned dance companies. But she never forgot the folk dance she had seen years earlier.

She began traveling through the Mexican countryside, witnessing the dances of many regions, and she used her knowledge of ballet and modern dance to adapt the traditional dances to the stage. She founded her own dance company, a group that became known as El Ballet Folklórico de México.

Using his signature illustration style, inspired by the ancient art of the Mixtecs, Tonatiuh tells the story of Amalia Hernández and the formation of one of the most famous and successful dance companies in the world.

This is a celebration of Mexican heritage, culture, and dance that will entertain young readers and their parents.

"Tonatiuh tells Hernández's story with careful attention to detail and with obvious admiration for the subject. . . . His digitized, hand-drawn illustrations are striking. They showcase, in his signature style based on Mixtec art, the beauty and grace of many different dance styles." ―Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)


Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Published: 08/22/2017
Pages: 32
Weight: 1.15lbs
Size: 11.00h x 9.20w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9781419725326
Age: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 6
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 193553 / Danza! Amalia Hernandez and El Ballet Folklorico de Mexico (English)


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 07/01/2017 pg. 118
Booklist 08/01/2017 pg. 48
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 09/01/2017
Publishers Weekly 08/07/2017
Horn Book Magazine 09/01/2017 pg. 118
School Library Journal 10/01/2017
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2018 - Superior,Well Above Average

About the Author
Duncan Tonatiuh was born in Mexico City and grew up in San Miguel de Allende, in the historical state of Guanajuato, Mexico. He studied writing and illustration at Parsons School of Design at the New School in New York City. His books have received many awards over the years. He divides his time between New York City and Mexico.