The piano pieces featured in this book are part of the Composiciones de María Teresa Carreño (Compositions of María Teresa Carreño), a set of piano works that Carreño composed between 1860 and 1861, when she was between 6 and 7 years old. The set contains a collection of fifteen dances (all of them included in this edition) and three capriccios (which will be published later). These piano pieces are the earliest compositions of the iconic venezuelan pianist and composer, and represent a testimony of her genius. This collection of dances is ideal for late elementary to early advanced piano students. Each of the pieces helps build up the essential foundations for more advanced romantic music, as students explore and master the patterns and stylistic features of the waltz, mazurka, polka and danza genres. The variety of keys, characters/moods and technical challenges found in this collection make it a valuable source for both technique and musicianship growth. Besides, learning one or more of these pieces will keep students motivated to practice and sit at the piano, as the works are short, easy to learn and pleasant to listen to. In this collection of dances, you will find the perfect repertoire choice for studio classes, recitals, and competitions. It is an invaluable source of Romantic Latin American Repertoire for Children. After studying all the works in this collection, students will be ready for Chopin´s Waltzes Op. 69 N° 1-2, Waltz in A minor B. 150, Mazurkas Op. 67 N° 2 and 4, among many others.