Jane Yolen

Jane Yolen

Can you tell us how your recent book When Nana Dances came to be? My co-author on this book, Maddison Stemple-Piatt, is my granddaughter. She was ten years old, in ballet…

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Dancing During Covid-19, Finale

I Will Dance celebrates the joy of dancing, the importance of belonging, and the determination of a child who could barely move but dreamed of dancing … not imagine, not pretend, and not alone. Come and watch them dance.

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Behind the Book: I Will Dance

Eva and Piper

Why did I write I Will Dance? I watched this unique community of dancers—all abilities, all ages—dance with such joy, my own tears tumbled down. What did I see and hear? …

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Dancing During Covid-19, Part 1

Young Dance in rehearsal

How do dancers dance in isolation? Or perform? What about new choreography? I interviewed several dancers from Young Dance, a Minnesota-based dance company, a unique dance company. Dancers audition. Dancers…

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Celebrating I Will Dance

I Will Dance

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.

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Many Ways We Tell Our Stories: Dance

Dance speaks to everyone. Dance is spoken in many ways, in many places. Its language is universal. We tell our stories on ballerina tiptoes … with the stomping of leather boots or the leaping and collapsing of modern movements and shapes.  We tell our stories. Dance shouts when voices are silenced. Dance unites generations. Dance celebrates the sacred moments of life without words or speeches. Sometimes in solemn procession, sometimes in wild jubilation.

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