Dialogue by Mark:

Hey all you joggers out there...check out these spectacular sneakers! Our personal trainer of art history, Kim at KidsArt, went way back in time to bring us this beautiful sculpture from the time of the ancient Etruscans.

This athletic lass, with the long skirt and the wild shoes, was made in 500 B.C.E.,,,over 2500 years ago. She's a metal sculpture made during the Etruscan civilization.

The Etruscans were an ancient people who ruled Italy and the surrounding lands in the centureis before the Romans. This was a very long time ago, and much of their history has been lost. We do know that they were good traders and merchants, because Etruscan art has been found all around the Mediterranean Sea.

The Etruscans created vey beautiful artworks. They are best known now for sculptures, especially clay statues and metalwork....probably because these are the only things that have survived through so many centuries.

Our statue of a dancer is made of metal. The figure is realistic, but exaggerated too. The curley fingers and toes give the feeling of graceful dance movements. Look at the lines of her belt and her skirt as it flips out on the sides and swirls around her feet.

There are many things unknown about the Etruscans, and some mysteries about this statue too. What's she carrying on her head? What's she holding in her long fingers? Is that a turtle she's stepping on? And most of all, where did she get those great sneakers....I want a pair too!