In 1958, a group of young dancers led by choreographer Alvin Ailey performed for the first time. The style of dance was modern, drawing inspiration from Ailey’s “blood memories” of growing up in Texas, along with the influences of blues, spirituals, and gospel. Judith Jamison, internationally famous from her time as a dancer in the company, succeeded Mr. Ailey as artistic director in 1989, and she in turn selected Robert Battle to be her successor in 2011.

This story for kids is about Robert Battle, a man who, as Lesa Cline-Ransome writes, “faced the unique challenge of telling his own story while preserving the legacy of Alvin Ailey.” She indicates in her note that Battle and Ailey never met, but they had a lot in common as dancers and choreographers, and both had a sense of history, passion, and purpose that translated into “brilliant artistic visions for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.”

Cline-Ransome tells the story of how as a child, Robert wore braces on his legs to straighten them:

“For years, Robert felt the pain and heard the clank of metal whenever he moved his legs. Trying to walk, he fell down time and again, until finally his legs got straighter and stronger.”

When the braces finally came off when Robert was six, he started to dance. Because that hobby encouraged bullying, his mother got him to study martial arts, which also made his legs even stronger.

At thirteen, Robert began ballet lessons at the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center in Miami. He wanted to be the first Black Baryshnikov, the famed Russian ballet dancer. In high school, Robert accompanied his dance class to see the Alvin Ailey Dance Company: “Robert saw his past and his future, and he saw himself.”

He was accepted into the New World School of the Arts in Miami, spending two years there. Then he was given a scholarship to the Juilliard School in New York. He won awards at Juilliard and was invited to join the Parsons Dance Company in New York City, where he choreographed dances. In 2001 he began his own dance company called Battleworks, which performed to rave reviews. Judith Jamison saw his work, and wanted it to be a part of the Alvin Ailey Company. Ten years later, he started as their new artistic director. In announcing his appointment as Artistic Director, Jamison stated: “Combining an intimate knowledge of the Ailey company with an independent perspective, Robert Battle is without question the creative force of the future.”]

Illustrator James E. Ransome wrote in his note that he called on the impressionist tradition of depicting dance in pastels to capture the color, movement, and fluidity of the Alvin Ailey dancers. He did a lovely job.

Back matter includes an Author’s Note, Illustrator’s Note, bibliography, guide to further reading, and links to video and radio sources.

Evaluation: Why boys who express their athleticism and grace through dance should be an object of scorn is beyond me, but apparently it still happens. Yet even football players practice ballet; it helps them with focus, flexibility, speed, strength, endurance, and balance. The story of how Battle overcame that obstacle and the others in his life is inspiring in all kinds of ways. ( )

Lesa Cline- Ransom writes the story of Robert Battles, a bow-legged boy who grows up with a passion for music and dance. The story follows his journey from a church choir in Miami all the way to Robert becoming the director of Alvin Alley. ( )

As a dancer, I think this book is stunning. Though it also tells a true story of a man who expresses himself and the past of his ancestors through dance. Pain, loss, joy and love are explored. Beautiful, emotional illustrations.

I enjoyed this book. I appreciate that it speaks to diverse students, which is necessary in today's times. The themes of hard work, dedication, dreams, and family are ever-present. This story could absolutely be used in the classroom. Not only is the story inspirational, but the illustrations are beautiful and the language is clear.

My Story, My Dance: Robert Battle’s Journey to Alvin Ailey is written by Lesa Cline-Ransome and illustrated by James E. Ransome. This husband and wife collaboration is a great story about Robert Battle’s difficulties in his life as a young boy and how he overcomes them in order to be the artistic director of the Alvin Ailey Center. I enjoyed this book because I have an extensive dance background and already knew who Alvin Ailey was, so I like learning about Robert Battle and seeing his story and background.

The main idea of this book is to continue to follow your dreams and reach your goals despite what obstacles occur along the way. This idea is great for readers and is the exact reason why everyone should read this book. “Outside the comfort of church and the haven of home, Robert was called names that hurt worse than his leg braces ever had”. This show that Robert never gave up despite what people tried to say to bring him down.

The illustrations by James Ransome are so amazing. He captures the movement of dance in his work and the emotion in the characters’ faces. All readers should take the journey with Robert Battle to see how he gets to Alvin Ailey. ( )