“In James E. Ransome’s realistic pastel portraits, Battle, his family, and his teachers all seem lit from within.” —The New York Times Book Review A boy discovers his passion for dance and becomes a modern hero in this inspiring picture book biography of Robert Battle, artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. When Robert Battle was a boy wearing leg braces, he never dreamed he’d study at Juilliard. Though most dancers begin training at an early age, it wasn’t until Robert was a teenager that his appreciation for movement—first from martial arts, then for ballet—became his passion. But support from his family and teachers paired with his desire and determination made it possible for Robert to excel. After years of hard work, the young man who was so inspired by a performance of Alvin Ailey’s Revelations became the artistic director of the very company that motivated him. Today, under Robert’s leadership, Alvin Ailey continues to represent the African American spirit through dance. Featuring illustrations brimming with vibrant color and swirling motion, this biographical picture book from husband-and-wife team James Ransome and Lisa Cline-Ransome includes a foreword from Robert Battle himself as well as a bibliography, suggested further reading, and an author’s note.

“In James E. Ransome’s realistic pastel portraits, Battle, his family, and his teachers all seem lit from within.” —The New York Times Book Review A boy discovers his passion for dance and becomes a modern hero in this inspiring picture book biography of Robert Battle, artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. When Robert Battle was a boy wearing leg braces, he never dreamed he’d study at Juilliard. Though most dancers begin training at an early age, it wasn’t until Robert was a teenager that his appreciation for movement—first from martial arts, then for ballet—became his passion. But support from his family and teachers paired with his desire and determination made it possible for Robert to excel. After years of hard work, the young man who was so inspired by a performance of Alvin Ailey’s Revelations became the artistic director of the very company that motivated him. Today, under Robert’s leadership, Alvin Ailey continues to represent the African American spirit through dance. Featuring illustrations brimming with vibrant color and swirling motion, this biographical picture book from husband-and-wife team James Ransome and Lisa Cline-Ransome includes a foreword from Robert Battle himself as well as a bibliography, suggested further reading, and an author’s note.

Pasha Kovalev has led an extraordinary life. His talent and determination have led him from the stark landscape of his Siberian hometown to dance in Moscow, New York, LA and finally in London, where he now lives. Best known for Strictly Come Dancing, which he won in 2014 with Caroline Flack (having previously danced his way to the finals two years’ running with partners Chelsee Healey & Kimberley Walsh), Pasha still remains something of an enigma. Unlike some of his dancing co-stars he has eschewed the limelight. He doesn’t frequent the pages of celeb glossies and, despite his relationship with former dance partner Rachel Riley, his fans have known little about him outside the television shows that made him famous. But all that’s about to change as, in this candid autobiography, Pasha spills the beans on everything from romance to body image, the illness which nearly killed him and, most importantly, what really goes on beneath the veneer of sparkles and glamour.

Take the lead in the dance of life with Louise Giroux in Taking the Lead, her book for those living with chronic illness. With her characteristic compassion and pragmatism, Louise helps you to reclaim who you are so you can live your life to the fullest.

Decolonization in Practice speaks to the practical work of dismantling colonial ideologies and features contributions from Indigenous, Black, racialized immigrant, refugee, and ally scholars, researchers, and practitioners who share their experiences enacting decolonizing work in their communities. Each chapter presents stories of inspiration, resistance, unlearning, relearning, and transformation on the journey towards reconciliation. This edited collection asks, “How do we understand anti-racist practice as a framework for reconciliation?” “How can we identify areas of obstacle and opportunity?” and “How can we take responsibility for decolonizing our ways of knowing and acting?” These questions are asked in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s assertion that meaningful engagement among Indigenous Peoples and non-Indigenous people will be key in advancing reconciliation through anti-racist solidarity. Contributors share personal decolonial stories and explore taking responsibility for building a decolonial community from and within everyday practice for transforming our learning into action to achieve social and environmental justice goals. This unique collection serves a variety of courses, including as a primary text for upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses in Canada focused on decolonization, as a supplementary text for introductory-level courses in Canada that are incorporating discussions of decolonization, and as a primary or supplementary text for international courses.

The Anthology "Stories from Inside the Mirror" is filled with timeless true stories from Belly Dancers from around the world. Read the moving collection of true stories that contributes to human spirit, and celebrates courage and endurance.