Calling all prima ballerinas!
Event Guide
and
Activity
Suggestions
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Illustrations © by Robin Preiss Glasser. Permission to reproduce and distribute this page has been granted by the copyright holder, HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
Slip on those dancing shoes!
What can possibly be fancier than a ballerina? In her latest escapade, Fancy Nancy and
the Mermaid Ballet, Fancy Nancy dances in a ballet recital with her good friend Bree
and their ballet class. Although she doesn’t get the role of one of the mermaids, she still
turns in a star performance.
With Fancy Nancy’s recital as inspiration, we’ve spun together this event kit complete
with name tags, reproducible activities, a tiara*, and reusable stickers* to transform
your guests from fancy little ones into prima ballerinas. We’ve provided all the right
steps t0 help them put on their own dance recital.
Be prepared for lots and lots of twirling!
*These items have been tested and conform to all CPSIA standards and regulations.
HarperCollins Children’s Books
Marketing Department Ballerinas
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Illustrations © by Robin Preiss Glasser. Permission to reproduce and distribute this page has been granted by the copyright holder, HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
EVENT SUGGESTIONS
Here are a few simple suggestions to get you started on planning your ballet extravaganza.
Fortunately, we have insider access to Madame Lucille, ballet guru (and Fancy Nancy’s ballet teacher),
who gave us helpful tips for putting on a standing ovation–worthy event!
VIP invitations: Use the template in this booklet to create event invitations
to distribute in the weeks leading up to your extravaganza. Fill in the event
details, photocopy, cut along the dotted lines, and send to everyone on your
guest list.
Warm-up exercise: Be sure to stock up on all the essentials for hosting
your ballerina event. Each budding ballerina will need markers/crayons,
construction paper, and costume props such as tulle, ribbons, boas, tiaras, etc.
Scenery: Be sure to have a designated space where budding ballerinas can
practice their dance moves. Set up a row of chairs or a table for little ones
to hold on to for balance. A large mirror is a great item to create a real studio
feel. And don’t forget to decorate with plenty
of tulle and ribbons!
Casting: Be a gracious hostess by greeting each
of your guests and introducing them to one
another so that everyone feels welcome and a
part of the group. After all, a recital takes
teamwork! Make personalized name tags
using the template in this booklet.
Praiseworthy gift: After the final curtsy, bid
adieu to guests with flowers from a bouquet
(either handpicked or handmade out of
construction paper). It’s a great way to say thank
you for coming and that you appreciate their
participation in the event.
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Illustrations © by Robin Preiss Glasser. Permission to reproduce and distribute this page has been granted by the copyright holder, HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
VIP (THAT’S FANCY FOR VERY IMPORTANT PERSON) INVITATIONS
Use these invitations to get out the word about your grandiose (that’s fancy for extra fancy) event!
Simply fill in the details, photocopy, cut along the dotted lines, and distribute to as many people as you’d like.
YOU’RE INVITED
to a grand ballet recital!
Place:
Date:
Time:
RSVP:
Come in your fanciest costume (tutus and ballet slippers
welcome) and be ready to swoop, sway, and swirl!
YOU’RE INVITED
to a grand ballet recital!
Place:
Date:
Time:
RSVP:
Come in your fanciest costume (tutus and ballet slippers
welcome) and be ready to swoop, sway, and swirl!
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Illustrations © by Robin Preiss Glasser. Permission to reproduce and distribute this page has been granted by the copyright holder, HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
TINY DANCER!
My “fancy ballerina” name is:
TINY DANCER!
My “fancy ballerina” name is:
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My “fancy ballerina” name is:
TINY DANCER!
My “fancy ballerina” name is:
TINY DANCER!
My “fancy ballerina” name is:
TINY DANCER!
My “fancy ballerina” name is:
Permission to reproduce and distribute this page has been granted
by the copyright holder, HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
Illustrations © by Robin Preiss Glasser.
Illustrations © by Robin Preiss Glasser.
TINY DANCER!
Illustrations © by Robin Preiss Glasser.
My “fancy ballerina” name is:
Illustrations © by Robin Preiss Glasser.
My “fancy ballerina” name is:
TINY DANCER!
Illustrations © by Robin Preiss Glasser.
TINY DANCER!
Illustrations © by Robin Preiss Glasser.
My “fancy ballerina” name is:
Illustrations © by Robin Preiss Glasser.
TINY DANCER!
Illustrations © by Robin Preiss Glasser.
My “fancy ballerina” name is:
Illustrations © by Robin Preiss Glasser.
TINY DANCER!
Event Hostess: copy onto Avery #5163
Illustrations © by Robin Preiss Glasser.
Reproducible Name Tags
BALLERINA LINGO
The world of ballet is filled with fabulous French words. How chic! Get to know the lingo (that’s a fancy word for
language) by matching these words to their meanings. You’ll be sounding like a professional ballerina in no time!
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
7.
8.
9.
10.
A . A leap from one foot to the other
ARABESQUE
D. Ballet performance
JETÉ
B. One leg stretched straight out to the back
LEOTARD
E . To raise both heels to their points
BARRE
C. A twirl while standing on the toe or ball of one foot
PIROUETTE
F. To bend the knees
RELEVÉ
I. A graceful bow
RECITAL
PLIÉ
TUTU
G. A fancy ballet skirt
H. A wooden railing used for dancers
to warm up on
J. Ballerina apparel
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Illustrations © by Robin Preiss Glasser. Permission to reproduce and distribute this page has been granted by the copyright holder, HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
Answers: 1. I, 2. A, 3. H, 4. B, 5. J, 6. C, 7. D, 8. F, 9. E, 10. G
6.
CURTSY
LEARN THE MOVES
In order to choreograph your recital, you’ll need to learn some moves! The first five positions
displayed below are the basics that every ballerina needs to master to become a graceful dancer.
Instead of using a barre for balance, use a table or chair. Remember, practice makes perfect!
First Position
Second Position
Place heels next to each other
and turn your feet out only
as far as is comfortable.
Now move your feet apart
from each other, keeping with
the same position as in the first.
Third Position
Fourth Position
Fifth Position
Place the heel of your
right foot in front of the
arch of your left foot. Your
feet should be touching.
From third position, slide
your front foot forward.
From fourth position,
move the front foot back
toward you so the heel
touches the toes of
your back foot.
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Illustrations © by Robin Preiss Glasser. Permission to reproduce and distribute this page has been granted by the copyright holder, HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
MAGNIFICENT AS A MERMAID
Follow the instructions below to create the perfect ballerina accessory . . . a mermaid’s wand. With your wand in hand, you’re sure to be the star of any recital!
You’ll need:
Oak tag
12'' wooden dowel
Sand
Seashells
Glitter
Craft glue
Here’s how:
Cut out the starfish template and trace it onto a
piece of colored oak tag. Then cut that out for a
sturdy wand base.
Decorate the starfish by gluing seashells and sand
to the front. Add some glitter for a shimmer effect.
Glue the tip of the dowel to the backside of the
starfish. Enjoy your magnificent wand!
Scissors
Safety note:
This craft activity involves cutting and gluing. Please ask an adult for assistance.
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Illustrations © by Robin Preiss Glasser. Permission to reproduce and distribute this page has been granted by the copyright holder, HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
CREATE A PERFORMANCE PROGRAM
Create a program for your attendees, informing them of all the important details about the recital.
Jazz it up using colored markers, a sprinkle of glitter, and some stickers. As a nice gesture,
bake a delectable dessert for your guests to enjoy during intermission (that’s fancy for breaktime).
PROGRAM
(your name here)
Warm-up
PROUDLY
PRESENTS
Performance (Act l)
INTERMISSION
(Delicious refreshments provided)
Performance (Act II)
(name of your ballet)
Final Curtsy
(Standing ovations and bouquets are welcome)
BALLET RECITAL
Date:
Place:
Illustrations © by Robin Preiss Glasser.
Time:
Safety note:
This craft activity involves cutting and gluing. Please ask an adult for assistance.
www.fancynancyworld.com
Illustrations © by Robin Preiss Glasser. Permission to reproduce and distribute this page has been granted by the copyright holder, HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
CAPTURE A MEMORY
Display a photo or draw a picture from your recital using this fantastique (that’s fancy for amazing) picture frame.
Be sure to place it in a spot where everyone can see it! After all, you’re a star ballerina now!
(your name here)
PRIMA BALLERINA
Safety note:
This craft activity involves cutting.
Please ask an adult for assistance.
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Illustrations © by Robin Preiss Glasser. Permission to reproduce and distribute this page has been granted by the copyright holder, HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
A COLORFUL CREATION
Color the image of Fancy Nancy below, adding your own embellishment
(that’s fancy for decoration) to the background.
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Illustrations © by Robin Preiss Glasser. Permission to reproduce and distribute this page has been granted by the copyright holder, HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
GET THE LOOK (TAKE-HOME ACTIVITY)
With ballerinas, it’s all about the costume! It’s the finishing touch, once you have the moves and the mind-set.
Follow these simple instructions for how to create an easy-to-make, fashionable tutu.
TWIRLING TUTU
You’ll need:
Elastic band
Scissors
Tulle
Ribbon
Here’s how:
Measure a piece of elastic
band around your waist.
Stretch the elastic band
around a book or pot.
Cut a 14-inch strip of tulle.
Tie the strip at its halfway point
around the elastic band. The tulle
should hang from the elastic band.
Keep cutting and tying new strips of the
same length next to each other until
the elastic band is covered.
For an even fancier effect, tie pieces
of ribbon along with the tulle or attach
sequins throughout the tutu. Be prepared
to look magnifique (that’s fancy for
really beautiful)!
Safety note:
This craft activity involves cutting. Please ask an adult for assistance.
www.fancynancyworld.com
Illustrations © by Robin Preiss Glasser. Permission to reproduce and distribute this page has been granted by the copyright holder, HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.