I FEEL LIKE DANCING: A Year with Jacques d'Amboise and the National Dance Institute

Dance star d'Amboise's accomplishment is impressive: forced (by injuries) to retire after 32 years with the New York City Ballet, he founded NDI, which engages hundreds of children (35 in each of 30 schools) in yearlong training for a dance extravaganza. Beginning with the initial tryouts, this book takes them, month by month, from the awkwardness of early rehearsals to the triumphant, fully costumed production--in this case, 1991's Chakra: a Celebration of India, in which the children are joined by several Indian dancers. The many color photos--snapshot size to full page--capture the kids' exuberance, their seriousness of purpose, and the excitement and artistry of the final production. An inspiring look at what can be done in big city schools.