"The Little Spanish Dancer" by Madeline Brandeis is a captivating children's book that takes young readers on an enchanting journey into the world of dance, culture, and friendship. The story follows the adventures of young Dolores, a spirited and talented girl living in a picturesque Spanish village. Dolores possesses a deep passion for dancing, and she dreams of becoming a professional dancer one day. When a renowned dance company visits her village, Dolores seizes the opportunity to audition for a spot in the troupe. However, she faces obstacles and challenges along the way, including the doubts of some villagers who believe that dancing is not a suitable pursuit for a young girl. As Dolores embarks on her quest to follow her dreams, she forms a special bond with a traveling circus troupe and its young performer, Pancho. Together, they navigate the joys and trials of pursuing their artistic passions. The story beautifully explores themes of determination, friendship, and the importance of staying true to one's dreams and identity. Madeline Brandeis weaves a tale that is not only rich in storytelling but also celebrates the vibrant culture and traditions of Spain. Through Dolores' journey, readers are introduced to the colorful world of Spanish dance, music, and customs. "The Little Spanish Dancer" is a story of empowerment and self-discovery, where young readers can find inspiration to pursue their own dreams and interests. It emphasizes the idea that with dedication, hard work, and the support of friends and family, one can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. In summary, "The Little Spanish Dancer" is a heartwarming and culturally rich children's book that encourages readers to embrace their passions, overcome challenges, and celebrate the beauty of different cultures. It remains a cherished story that continues to captivate young imaginations and inspire them to follow their own dreams.

First Published in 1995. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Whatever happened to the old-fashioned children's games and songs? Old favorites like Kick the Can, Fox and Geese, and Red Rover encouraged camaraderie, physical activity, coordination and social interaction--as electronic and computer games never can. Family and campfire singalongs helped preserve the folksong and storytelling tradition while instilling in children a sense of community and a confidence in their musical capability. Writer and poet Sharon O'Bryan has gathered a collection of the old games and songs. She brings the old days back to life with instructions for outdoor games like King of the Mountain; car games like Graveyard; card games including Old Maid; and favorite party games such as Blind Man's Bluff. Lyrics and music to singing games and campfire songs are added to this collection to offer old style amusement for every child and occasion.

E.T.A. Hoffmann's The Nutcracker and the Mouse King is a timeless masterpiece that weaves together elements of fantasy, romance, and adventure. Written in the early 19th century, this novella combines fairy tale elements with deeper philosophical themes, providing readers with a rich and enchanting narrative. The story follows young Marie, who embarks on a magical journey with her beloved Nutcracker prince to defeat the evil Mouse King. Hoffmann's intricate storytelling and vivid imagery create a surreal world that captivates the imagination of readers. The Nutcracker and the Mouse King has been adapted into numerous forms, including the famous ballet by Tchaikovsky, making it a beloved classic for all ages. E.T.A. Hoffmann, a German writer and composer, drew inspiration from his own experiences and dreams to create this enchanting tale. His background in music and law influenced his unique writing style, characterized by its blend of Gothic themes and fantastical elements. Hoffmann's exploration of the subconscious mind and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy is evident throughout the novella, adding depth to the narrative. I highly recommend The Nutcracker and the Mouse King to readers who appreciate timeless fairy tales and enjoy being transported to magical realms filled with wonder and adventure.

Australians have been transported to an imaginary Spain from at least the 1830s, when cachuchas were first danced on the Sydney stage. In Take Me to Spain John Whiteoak explores the rich tapestry of Australians’ fascination with all thing Spanish, from the voluptuous sensuality of Lola Montez to operas featuring señoritas, toreadors and Gypsies, and from evocative silent and later Spain-themed Hollywood movies to the dazzlingly creative artistry of the flamenco dancers and guitarists who toured Australia in the 1960s and ’70s. Examining the diverse ways that Spanish music and dance have been mediated or hybridised to cater for Australian popular taste, this landmark study reveals how Hispanic traditions have become integral to the cultural history of the nation.

Georges Bizet's Carmen and its staging of an exoticized Spain was progressively reimagined between its 1875 Paris premiere and 1915. This book explores Carmen's dynamic interaction with Spanishness in this cosmopolitan age of spectacle, across operatic productions, parodies, and theatrical adaptations from Spain to Paris, London, and New York.

Robert Lehman (1891-1969), one of the foremost art collectors of his generation, embraced the work of both traditional and modern masters. This volume catalogues 130 nineteenth- and twentieth-century paintings that are now part of the Robert Lehman Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The majority of the works are by artists based in France, but there are also examples from the United States, Latin America, and India, reflecting Lehman's global interests. The catalogue opens with outstanding paintings by Ingres, Théodore Rousseau, and Corot, among other early nineteenth-century artists. They are joined by an exemplary selection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works by Degas, Renoir, Sisley, Pissarro, Seurat, Signac, Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Gauguin. Twentieth-century masters represented here include Bonnard, Matisse, Rouault, Dalí, and Balthus. There are also newly researched modern works by Vicente do Rego Monteiro, Kees van Dongen, Dietz Edzard, and D.G. Kulkarni (dizi). Robert Lehman's cultivated taste for nineteenth-century French academic practitioners and his intuitive eye for emerging young artists of his own time are documented and discussed. Three hundred comparative illustrations supplement the catalogue entries, as do extensively researched provenance information, exhibition histories, and references. The volume also includes a bibliography and indexes.