—
When author and illustrator, Lea Lashaway, heard that Attitude Dance Studio’s production of the children’s classic, “The Nutcracker”, was set in 1929, she knew it had to be a coloring book. According to Ms. Lashaway, “We thought it would be fun to take photographs of the dance students in this “Nutcracker” production, turn the photos into line drawings, and make a coloring book. Setting it in 1929 gave it a new twist. Creating line drawings from photos results in the organic, hand-drawn effect you’ll see. We had a great time creating a memento for the “Nutcracker” participants to keep. Hopefully other people will enjoy it, too.”
Lashaway added that, although “The Snazzy Jazzy Nutcracker” will appeal to children and young teens, she included many patterns in the book that require more advanced coloring skills so that any adult could enjoy it, too. The trend for coloring by adults is growing rapidly, since the discovery that it helps people de-stress and relax.
Ms. Lashaway earned her BFA degree in Musical Theater and, after acting in Los Angeles for several decades, she decided to broaden her horizons. She moved to Missouri and started learning to create coloring books – while helping to produce a film about the West Plains Dance Hall explosion. She studies dance, and is planning her next coloring book creation. Lashaway has also illustrated a children’s story, “Little Pup & Mortal Danger,” which is currently available on Smashwords.com.
Co-author Leah Johnson states, “A portion of book sales will go to Attitude Dance Studio to help finance future productions. We believe in creating opportunities for girls and boys to grow and learn. Your purchase will help local children.”
Ms. Johnson founded and has been the owner of Attitude Dance Studio, located at 1208 Porter Wagoner Blvd, West Plains, Missouri, for nearly 10 years. Johnson holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance Studies from Missouri State University. Students at Attitude not only live in West Plains, but Willow Springs, Mountain View, and surrounding towns. If anyone in the West Plains area is interested in inquiring about classes for their child, they should call the office manager, Tempest, at 417-280-6992.
“The Snazzy Jazzy Nutcracker” is for sale on Amazon: simply search for “snazzy jazzy nutcracker”. Bookstores interested in carrying “The Snazzy Jazzy Nutcracker” will find it listed in Ingram.
Well, ‘nuff said. It’s time to get artistic, so grab this classic story for children of all ages, roll down your stockings, wrap your mitts around your favorite color sticks, and have a blast!
Release ID: 421376