Practice makes perfect–especially for a ballerina. The more ballerinas practice, the stronger they become and the more they can learn. Ballet is an art form that allows dancers to express themselves and share their talents with others. It can seem like pure magic every time a ballerina takes the stage. However, it takes years of dedication and practice in order for a dancer to perform at this level. Listen to the artistic director of the Washington Ballet talk about her love of the arts and ballet, and what it takes to be a ballerina.
Story Length: 3:54
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Helen Keller was a pioneer in the disability rights movement. She was also a pacifist, advocate for workers’ rights, and supporter of women’s suffrage. Her life began with childhood struggles when she lost the ability to both see or hear. Thanks to her hard work and that of her teacher Anne Sullivan, Keller would learn to read, write, and communicate through sign language. Listen to learn about the life of Helen Keller, and how she overcame early challenges to become an accomplished author and reformer.
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Born in 1821, Clara Barton took the role of caring for others to a new level. As a young girl, she helped her brother heal from a head injury even after doctors had given up. As a young woman, Clara worked tirelessly helping to care for soldiers on both sides of the American Civil War. Later, after working with the International Red Cross in Europe, Clara founded the American branch of the Red Cross. Listen to hear about Clara Barton’s life-long dedication to helping those in need.
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In 1954, the Supreme Court ruled that segregation in public schools was illegal. Yet, due to a loophole in the law, Louisiana’s public schools were still segregated six years later. That changed when Ruby Bridges’ parents chose to send Ruby to first grade at the all-white school near her home. While Ruby helped integrate Louisiana’s public schools, her path was not easy. In this audio story, Ruby discusses what it was like to be the only Black student in an all-white school. Listen to hear how and why Ruby became one of the youngest heroes of the civil rights era.
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