Flying Feet: A Story of Irish Dance

By Anna Marlis Burgard

The competition is on Two champion dancers, Aidan and Michael, arrive in the village of Ballyconneely at the very same moment, each hoping to become the town's dance master. The villagers can support only one instructor, so the men agree to battle it out through rounds of reels and hornpipes. At each stage of the contest, the men challenge each other by calling for more and more difficult tunes to test their opponent's skill. Cheered on by the gathering crowd, the men dance on increasingly daring platformsfrom rain barrels to stone walls and beyondas each inspires the other until the best man wins. Based on a true event, this classic tale illustrates the enduring tradition of dance and music in Ireland.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0811844315
• ISBN13: 9780811844314
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: Chronicle Books
• Length: 36 Pages
• Weight: 1.03 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 1.0" x 1.0"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Shock!

Can you imagine? A story with no "baddies?" A story where the tension comes from a competition between two men that does not involve violence? If that doesn't surprise you enough, they both display good sportsmanship throughout! I also liked that dance was the topic discussed, rather than something stereotypical like car racing. Of course real men can dance. Of course real men can be good at it. There are a few really good points dealt with in this story, but there is nothing preachy about it.

Great Kids picture book

Our family really enjoyed this book. Darling illustrations, great story and gives you a little history of Irish dance in rural Ireland.

A fantastic children's picturebook inspired by a true event

Written by Anna Marlis Burgard and illustrated by Leighanne Dees with aid from the watchful eyes of Irish dance and folklore experts, Flying Feet: A Story Of Irish Dance is a fantastic children's picturebook inspired by a true event - a singularly memorable dance championship that took place when two master dancers tested their talents to determine who was worthy to become the dance instructor of Ballyconneely. A two-part unfolding page reveals the climactic moment when one of the contestants is so entranced in the passion of the moment he appears to take to the skies! The exuberant color illustrations emphasize a celebration and appreciation of Irish dance and cultural heritage. An afterword at the end offers some educational notes about the history of Irish dance.

Highly Recommended

A brilliant book for the wee ones! The wonderful text and rich illustrations reveal a tale of a dance competition in the west of Ireland that inspires and enlightens.