I Will Dance celebrates the joy of dancing, the importance of belonging, and the determination of Eva, a child who could barely move but dreamed of dancing … not imagine, not pretend, and not alone. Please “dance” with me as Eva’s story is honored in this picture book.
What joy I saw and felt each time I watched a class or performance of the Young Dance Company in Minnesota. Giggles. Smiles. Laughter. Hugs. Dancers of all abilities moved across the practice room or across the stage, some in wheelchairs, some with walkers, and some with independent mobility, each dancer in harmony with the others, each one a part of the whole. At performances, when I looked around at the audience, again what I saw was not pity or sadness, but joy. Tearful joy.
I felt hope as I witnessed the children and adults sharing a passion, sharing friendship, sharing failures and successes.
All of this is what Eva, the real girl who inspired this book, taught me. Eva was born prematurely, hardly able to breathe or move. But like every child, Eva was born with dreams. Let me try. With longings. Let me belong. And with the desire to be, and to become, herself. Eva. A dancer.
Today the book that I imagined and finally was able to write, has become real and so alive with the images created by the illustrator, Julianna Swaney, My hope is that Eva’s story will inspire readers of “all ages and all abilities” to believe in themselves and their dreams of what we dare to do and who we dare to be.
No one is only their disability or ability.
"A gorgeous, immersive celebration of dancing and the grace within all bodies." Kirkus starred review
Thank you for sharing this celebration of Young Dance and I Will Dance. Please help me spread the word –
Post a brief review on the online bookstore of your choice or on Goodreads.
Request a copy from your library.
I am happy to email you a pdf of the book – send me a note, wflood@hotmail.com
Let me know about an organization or individual ( special needs teacher, dance instructor, etc.) who would be interested in learning about I Will Dance.
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