Beyond the Dance: A Ballerina's Life

Susan Kemp is a high-school teacher in Kingston, Ontario.

The book offers a fascinating look at the life of a dancer. Chan Hon
Goh, a prima ballerina with the National Ballet of Canada, is one of the
ballet world’s rising stars. Born in Beijing and raised in Vancouver,
she grew up surrounded by dance; her parents were both dancers and her
father established his own highly respected ballet school in Vancouver.
As a guest artist, Goh has been invited to dance with leading companies
in Europe, Asia, and North America, where she is renowned for
performances that combine deep emotion and technological brilliance.

In this beautifully produced book, Goh tells the story of her early
childhood in Communist Beijing, her family’s flight to Canada, her
rigorous training, and her artistic achievements. Readers of all ages
will be captivated not only by the behind-the-scenes look at the world
of dance, but by the resolve of a young woman who, through extraordinary
perseverance and determination, made her dreams come true. Beyond the
Dance was nominated for the 2003 Norma Fleck Award for Canadian
Children’s Non-Fiction. Highly recommended.