Eliot Feld first came up with the idea of a public school for ballet while watching the natural moves of a group of kids on a New York City subway back in 1976. More than 20 years later, Ballet Tech thrives, as it trains students from grade three through high school who show a natural aptitude for dance, including an ability to jump high, stretch their legs, walk backwards with ease, march and skip smoothly. The children who make the cut can choose to attend this special public school where they are trained in classical and modern ballet, in addition to the usual school subjects. A typical school day for Ballet Tech students of different ages is described with a brief text and stunning color photographs that emphasize the hard work of the students, as well as their grace and dignity. (Ages 8-14)

VISUALLY STUNNING, and charged with the energy of young dancers, this photographic book takes readers on a tour of a unique place -- Ballet Tech, the first public school for ballet. Here a youthful, urban sensibility is fused with classical art, creating ballet with a new look and a new accessibility. Thousands of New York City kids have learned to dance, free of charge, at Ballet Tech. Many have even become professional dancers. Their experiences -- conveyed in stories, quotes, and gorgeous photographs -- will capture the interest of anyone who loves dance. . . and anyone who thinks that ballet means fluffy pink tutus! Kids Dance shows a new kind of ballet, as danced by kids from every background. This book, like the school, hopes to introduce a whole new audience to the excitement, beauty, and power of ballet.