Amy Nathan

Lots of kids enjoy dancing, but what motivates them to push past the sore muscles, early-morning technique classes, and crazy schedule required to become a professional dancer? In this book, dancers from many backgrounds talk about their different paths to success in ballet, modern, jazz, Broadway, and hiphop.

They also share advice and helpful tips, such as:

• Practice interpreting the music and the mood of a movement, even when you're doing a standard warm-up exercise.

• Try to be in the front row at auditions so you can see what's going on and so the judges know you're eager to be seen.