Teacher's Resources

This hilarious children’s book brings some well needed lightness to the serious issue of overstretching that is rife in the dance and gymnastics industries. It is a perfect book to have in your waiting area, to promote discussion on this important topic.

The story of Madame La Jaune was spawned from a conversation between Lisa Howell and her dad, Mike, when Lisa asked him if he could draw up some cartoons of the crazy overstretched positions that dancers are seen in these days all over social media. She wanted to highlight the danger to the body that was caused by sitting in positions like these whilst still appealing to everybody’s sense of humour. From there, the story took a life of its own. The pictures were an absolute success and members of the dance world fell in love with the simple but clear message that was embodied in Madame La Jaune.

Mike then took matters into his own hands and began exploring the back story to explain his often mused upon question “Why do good people sometimes teach badly?”

6 months later and this is the result, a story of dance, comedy and science. This book will give you an insight into the other side of Overstretching and the seemingly crazy ways of some teachers. Follow Madame La Jaune and understand her point of view, as well as where we go to from here!

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