Dancing Star: The Story of Anna Pavlova

by Gladys Malvern

In this biographical novel, Gladys Malvern shares the incredible story of Anna Pavlova, one of the most revered and celebrated ballerinas of all time. Malvern presents Pavlova’s life in enchanting prose, allowing the reader to experience Pavlova’s inspirational first exposure to a performance of Sleeping Beauty, the origination of her defining dance The Dying Swan, her illustrious rise to fame as a prima ballerina, and her extensive world tours.
 
You don’t have to be a fan of the ballet to enjoy this captivating tale, available for the first time in ebook.

Genres: Biography, Historical, Classics

206 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1942

About the author

Gladys Malvern wrote almost four dozen books in her prolific career as a writer of historical and biographical Young Adult fiction. She was born in Newark, New Jersey on July 17, 1897. Her family roots were in Virginia and her ancestors include such historic American names as Lee, Rolfe, Randolph, and Custis.

Reviews

[Erika · Rating 2 out of 5]

My copy of this book belonged to my mother when she was young, and I could tell it had been read many times. I picked it up eagerly hoping it would be good. But while Dancing Star does a great job describing Anna's childhood, the book loses steam shortly after. Strangely, it leaves out a lot of interesting facts of Anna's life, for example her feet were completely wrong for ballet and it was only through altering her shoes that she was able to dance. This caused controversy, with many people claiming she wasn't a "real" ballerina.
In addition, the book sort of meanders along with no one event seeming to be more important than any other. This takes drama away from her life.
Anna Pavlova was a strong, brave and almost obscenely talented woman. This book doesn't do her justice.

[Velvetink · Rating 3 out of 5]

donated to the Smith Family charity march 2015 (sigh I just can't keep everything)

Illustrated by Dodo Adler.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was given an old bound copy of this book which had been in my family and was clearly well read. I was intrigued by the life of star ballerina Pavlova and was certain I'd enjoy reading about her life. Unfortunately I found the writing so dull I could barely concentrate, and I had to skim. I felt like I was reading for high school English again, I feel I've learned enough to pass the exam, but it was not enjoyable.

[CLM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspired by the New Testament story of John the Baptist and the vicious Salome. Here is a link to my review: https://perfectretort.blogspot.com/20...

[Ava · Rating 2 out of 5]

this was a good story but halfway through it became very slow and boring