Beyond the Dance

A Ballerina's Life

Shortlisted for the Rocky Mountain Book Award

Nominated for The Rocky Mountain Book Award (An Alberta Children's Choice Book Award)

Nominated for the 2003 Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction


An elegant, expressive dancer, Chan Hon Goh is one of the ballet world’s great stars. She is a brilliant technician possessing a delicate beauty and radiant stage presence. Born in Beijing to dancer parents, she tells the story of their flight to Canada from an oppressive regime that thwarted her father’s career, her rigorous training, and her battle to achieve acceptance as the only Chinese-born prima
ballerina in the history of the National Ballet.

This fascinating look at the life of a dancer will appeal not only to the legions of Chan Hon Goh’s admirers and to students of ballet, but also to young readers who understand what it is to pursue a dream.
“Simply written, this is a wonderful book for [Chan Hon Goh’s] many, especially young, admirers and will be an eminently affordable addition to any dancer’s Christmas list.”
Dance International

“…[Chan’s] autobiography…is equally merry and sweet-tempered…I for one have derived much inspiration from reading this uplifting book.”
The Asian Wall Street Journal

“This autobiography has a refreshing candour about it…Goh’s account of her life to date is engrossing for any reader, but especially for aspiring dancers.”
The Globe and Mail

“The book is lavishly illustrated with black-and-white photographs, and balletomanes will enjoy poring over every detail.”
School Library Journal

“Cary Fagan has crafted an excellent portrait that allows Chan’s voice to shine through. The book will appeal…to young dancers and ballet lovers, but should not be overlooked as an inspiration to a wide range of readers…It is a lovely memoir – like her dancing, it is delicate and passionate – and a revealing story of a remarkable woman.”
Children’s Book News

“This is a book for anyone interested in reading about an exquisite ballet dancer’s rise to the top. It’s also a book for young dancers interested in reading first hand what it takes to make it as a professional classical dancer…the story is easy to follow for dancers and non-dancers alike.”
The Gazette [Montreal]
Chan Hon Goh is one of the National Ballet of Canada’s leading stars. To her many roles, she brings emotional depth and touching vulnerability. As a guest artist, Ms. Goh has been invited to dance with some of the world’s leading companies in Europe, Asia, and North America. View titles by Chan Hon Goh
© Josh Levine
CARY FAGAN's numerous kids' books include The Collected Works of Gretchen Oyster, which was a JLG selection, the Kaspar Snit novels, the Wolfie & Fly chapter books, and the picture books Water, Water, Little Blue Chair, What Are You Doing, Benny?, King Mouse, which was shortlisted for the Governor General's Award, and Bear Wants to Sing. Mr. Zinger's Hat, another of his picture books, was awarded the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award and the IODE Jean Throop Award. He has also won the Vicky Metcalf Award for Literature for Young People for his body of work. Cary was born and raised in Toronto, where he continues to live with his family. View titles by Cary Fagan

About

Shortlisted for the Rocky Mountain Book Award

Nominated for The Rocky Mountain Book Award (An Alberta Children's Choice Book Award)

Nominated for the 2003 Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction


An elegant, expressive dancer, Chan Hon Goh is one of the ballet world’s great stars. She is a brilliant technician possessing a delicate beauty and radiant stage presence. Born in Beijing to dancer parents, she tells the story of their flight to Canada from an oppressive regime that thwarted her father’s career, her rigorous training, and her battle to achieve acceptance as the only Chinese-born prima
ballerina in the history of the National Ballet.

This fascinating look at the life of a dancer will appeal not only to the legions of Chan Hon Goh’s admirers and to students of ballet, but also to young readers who understand what it is to pursue a dream.

Reviews

“Simply written, this is a wonderful book for [Chan Hon Goh’s] many, especially young, admirers and will be an eminently affordable addition to any dancer’s Christmas list.”
Dance International

“…[Chan’s] autobiography…is equally merry and sweet-tempered…I for one have derived much inspiration from reading this uplifting book.”
The Asian Wall Street Journal

“This autobiography has a refreshing candour about it…Goh’s account of her life to date is engrossing for any reader, but especially for aspiring dancers.”
The Globe and Mail

“The book is lavishly illustrated with black-and-white photographs, and balletomanes will enjoy poring over every detail.”
School Library Journal

“Cary Fagan has crafted an excellent portrait that allows Chan’s voice to shine through. The book will appeal…to young dancers and ballet lovers, but should not be overlooked as an inspiration to a wide range of readers…It is a lovely memoir – like her dancing, it is delicate and passionate – and a revealing story of a remarkable woman.”
Children’s Book News

“This is a book for anyone interested in reading about an exquisite ballet dancer’s rise to the top. It’s also a book for young dancers interested in reading first hand what it takes to make it as a professional classical dancer…the story is easy to follow for dancers and non-dancers alike.”
The Gazette [Montreal]

Author

Chan Hon Goh is one of the National Ballet of Canada’s leading stars. To her many roles, she brings emotional depth and touching vulnerability. As a guest artist, Ms. Goh has been invited to dance with some of the world’s leading companies in Europe, Asia, and North America. View titles by Chan Hon Goh
© Josh Levine
CARY FAGAN's numerous kids' books include The Collected Works of Gretchen Oyster, which was a JLG selection, the Kaspar Snit novels, the Wolfie & Fly chapter books, and the picture books Water, Water, Little Blue Chair, What Are You Doing, Benny?, King Mouse, which was shortlisted for the Governor General's Award, and Bear Wants to Sing. Mr. Zinger's Hat, another of his picture books, was awarded the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award and the IODE Jean Throop Award. He has also won the Vicky Metcalf Award for Literature for Young People for his body of work. Cary was born and raised in Toronto, where he continues to live with his family. View titles by Cary Fagan