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Ballet Orphans: A Prequel
It's 1990, and New York soloist April Manning is trying to rebalance her world in the aftermath of her parents’ deaths. An offer to join the struggling West Coast Ballet Theatre as a principal dancer seems like the perfect opportunity for a fresh start—a new life in San Francisco, an exciting step up in her career, and the hope of a redefined sense of family. But the other dancers are wary, clannish and tight-lipped, particularly about an incident that hastened the departure of their beloved artistic director, leading to the arrival of his replacement, the young, inexperienced Anders Gunst. And no one wants to talk about Jana, a former company member who defiantly walked out rather than work under Anders. It is Jana herself who offers April hints, and even friendship, where she reveals a loneliness and hunger to belong that newly orphaned April well understands. But there is something troubling about Jana, and what April doesn’t know could prove deadly.
A prequel to the Ballet Theatre Chronicles, BALLET ORPHANS explores the work and sacrifices required to arrive at the highest tiers of the professional ballet world, coupled with the primal, universal desire to belong, to love and be loved, and the lengths we’ll go to protect those we call family.
A prequel to the Ballet Theatre Chronicles, BALLET ORPHANS explores the work and sacrifices required to arrive at the highest tiers of the professional ballet world, coupled with the primal, universal desire to belong, to love and be loved, and the lengths we’ll go to protect those we call family.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 2, 2021
100 people are currently reading
734 people want to read
About the author
Terez Mertes Rose
5 books200 followersTerez Mertes Rose is a writer and former ballet dancer whose work has appeared in the Crab Orchard Review, Literary Mama, Women Who Eat (Seal Press), A Woman’s Europe (Travelers’ Tales), the Philadelphia Inquirer and the San Jose Mercury News. She reviews dance performances for Bachtrack.com and blogs about ballet and classical music at The Classical Girl. The author of the Ballet Theatre Chronicles (OFF BALANCE, OUTSIDE THE LIMELIGHT, BALLET ORPHANS, OTHER STAGES) and A Dancer's Guide to Africa, she makes her home with family in the Santa Cruz Mountains. She loves good food, good wine, great books, and a good (but not too hard) adult ballet class. She's proud to announce that Outside the Limelight, Book 2 of the Ballet Theatre Chronicles, was named a Best Book of 2017 by Kirkus Reviews.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 4, 2021
(Reviewed for Dance Advantage)
Faithful readers who have followed Terez Mertes Rose’s “Ballet Theatre Chronicles,” which began with “Off Balance” and its sequel “Outside the Limelight,” will once again be happy to immerse themselves in the ballet-based drama and romance. Fear not, new readers! You need not have read the other books in the series in order to understand the characters and their stories. As a prequel, this novel is both a great introduction to Rose’s world and a standalone which can be enjoyed without any prior knowledge.
If you are a fan, however, there are lots of great revelations from previous storylines (or would that be successive storylines since this is a prequel?) woven throughout. And if you also read “A Dancer’s Guide to Africa,” set in the 1980s (a prequel to this prequel!) and taking place in Africa, you will love reading about the next steps of Fiona Garvey, the narrator of that novel, once she returned home.
“Ballet Orphans” begins in 1990 when April Manning, a promising soloist with American Ballet Theatre in New York, suffers the loss of both parents and the failure of a romantic relationship with Vincent, a fellow company member, in the span of a year. An offer from a former colleague, Anders Gunst whom readers met in a previous novel, to join the scrappy West Coast Ballet Theatre he is now directing, is just the thing to reinvigorate her beleaguered body and broken soul. With nothing to lose, no friends or family to hold her in New York or her hometown of Omaha, April sets off for San Francisco.
Like April herself, WCBT has been going through its own turmoil. Sid Hauser, the company’s previous artistic director who was beloved by all, resigned amidst an incident the dancers refuse to discuss. When April arrives for her first company class, she learns very quickly that the more senior members of the company, led by the talented yet egotistical Dmitri Petrenko, have little faith in their brand new AD and have yet to sign their annual contracts. A walkout on the first day of the new season sets the stage for a divisive power struggle that April unwittingly finds herself in the middle of: loyal to Anders, she nevertheless needs to maintain good relationships with fellow company members, especially her dance partners.
Complicating matters for April are her own insecurities, ones that come from being a principal dancer who leapfrogged into the role rather than rose through company ranks. When she isn’t in the first cast of “Sleeping Beauty” as Aurora, she wonders if she’s good enough. When exceptional young dancers are brought in to replace some of the walkouts, she worries about job security. And like all dancers, especially ballerinas, she’s anxious about her future: how long will her body allow her to dance? Will she find love? Can she find love? Will she always be beholden to the art and craft of ballet?
As in her previous novels, “Off Balance” and “Outside the Limelight,” author Terez Mertes Rose eschews the cliched storylines that can plague “dance novels” and particularly “ballet books.” She acknowledges competition exists in the dance world, as well inappropriate romances, petty jealousies, and even sabotage, but turns the tropes upside down in “Ballet Orphans.” In fact, all of these ballet bromides appear to be at the heart of the mystery of Sid’s resignation as AD and its connection to Jana, a former star of WCBT who walked out in support of Dmitri and lost her job. Bit by bit, the layers of this secret are teased out, revealing a far more nuanced and woeful answer, yet still quite thrilling.
Even the romances are treated with real-world dynamics, the couples are complex and multi-faceted, the relationships rich in three-dimensionality. Does April find new love? Of course! Does her ex, Vincent, return? You bet! The ensuing complications and resolutions, however, are not what a reader would typically expect – and that is refreshingly realistic.
Faithful readers who have followed Terez Mertes Rose’s “Ballet Theatre Chronicles,” which began with “Off Balance” and its sequel “Outside the Limelight,” will once again be happy to immerse themselves in the ballet-based drama and romance. Fear not, new readers! You need not have read the other books in the series in order to understand the characters and their stories. As a prequel, this novel is both a great introduction to Rose’s world and a standalone which can be enjoyed without any prior knowledge.
If you are a fan, however, there are lots of great revelations from previous storylines (or would that be successive storylines since this is a prequel?) woven throughout. And if you also read “A Dancer’s Guide to Africa,” set in the 1980s (a prequel to this prequel!) and taking place in Africa, you will love reading about the next steps of Fiona Garvey, the narrator of that novel, once she returned home.
“Ballet Orphans” begins in 1990 when April Manning, a promising soloist with American Ballet Theatre in New York, suffers the loss of both parents and the failure of a romantic relationship with Vincent, a fellow company member, in the span of a year. An offer from a former colleague, Anders Gunst whom readers met in a previous novel, to join the scrappy West Coast Ballet Theatre he is now directing, is just the thing to reinvigorate her beleaguered body and broken soul. With nothing to lose, no friends or family to hold her in New York or her hometown of Omaha, April sets off for San Francisco.
Like April herself, WCBT has been going through its own turmoil. Sid Hauser, the company’s previous artistic director who was beloved by all, resigned amidst an incident the dancers refuse to discuss. When April arrives for her first company class, she learns very quickly that the more senior members of the company, led by the talented yet egotistical Dmitri Petrenko, have little faith in their brand new AD and have yet to sign their annual contracts. A walkout on the first day of the new season sets the stage for a divisive power struggle that April unwittingly finds herself in the middle of: loyal to Anders, she nevertheless needs to maintain good relationships with fellow company members, especially her dance partners.
Complicating matters for April are her own insecurities, ones that come from being a principal dancer who leapfrogged into the role rather than rose through company ranks. When she isn’t in the first cast of “Sleeping Beauty” as Aurora, she wonders if she’s good enough. When exceptional young dancers are brought in to replace some of the walkouts, she worries about job security. And like all dancers, especially ballerinas, she’s anxious about her future: how long will her body allow her to dance? Will she find love? Can she find love? Will she always be beholden to the art and craft of ballet?
As in her previous novels, “Off Balance” and “Outside the Limelight,” author Terez Mertes Rose eschews the cliched storylines that can plague “dance novels” and particularly “ballet books.” She acknowledges competition exists in the dance world, as well inappropriate romances, petty jealousies, and even sabotage, but turns the tropes upside down in “Ballet Orphans.” In fact, all of these ballet bromides appear to be at the heart of the mystery of Sid’s resignation as AD and its connection to Jana, a former star of WCBT who walked out in support of Dmitri and lost her job. Bit by bit, the layers of this secret are teased out, revealing a far more nuanced and woeful answer, yet still quite thrilling.
Even the romances are treated with real-world dynamics, the couples are complex and multi-faceted, the relationships rich in three-dimensionality. Does April find new love? Of course! Does her ex, Vincent, return? You bet! The ensuing complications and resolutions, however, are not what a reader would typically expect – and that is refreshingly realistic.
Want to read
March 29, 2021🎁Books 2 & 3 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (3/29/2021)! 🎁
January 29, 2021
I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I read the first two books in the Ballet Theatre Chronicles a few years ago, so I was really excited to see that there was a third volume coming out; I was not disappointed! I loved seeing the beginnings of the stories of some of the characters I already knew: Anders when he first took over as artistic director of the Western Ballet Company, April, Katrina, Javier. I loved the interplay of the characters and the setting of ballet. I also really enjoyed the descriptions of the future of technology which we have seen come to pass - although in the book most of the characters saw them as impossibilities which were the result of an overactive imagination. This was a quick read, and I hope there will be more in the series!
I read the first two books in the Ballet Theatre Chronicles a few years ago, so I was really excited to see that there was a third volume coming out; I was not disappointed! I loved seeing the beginnings of the stories of some of the characters I already knew: Anders when he first took over as artistic director of the Western Ballet Company, April, Katrina, Javier. I loved the interplay of the characters and the setting of ballet. I also really enjoyed the descriptions of the future of technology which we have seen come to pass - although in the book most of the characters saw them as impossibilities which were the result of an overactive imagination. This was a quick read, and I hope there will be more in the series!
June 3, 2022
Absolutely Excellent!!!
Everything about this book drew me in and held my attention. There are only a few books that I keep and read more than once and this book has joined that short list.
Everything about this book drew me in and held my attention. There are only a few books that I keep and read more than once and this book has joined that short list.
January 22, 2021
The joy of reading this book transported me back into the live performances that we have missed over the past year. I am not a dancer, but am an enthusiastic patron who has fallen in love with the transcendent beauty of live performance. Ballet Orphans offers a “behind the scenes” glimpse of the West Coast Ballet Theatre and the lives of its dancers who are family to each other, each dancer with their unique history, background, and ambition. As a reader I can feel the ecstasy of performing, along with the physical toll on the dancers and their relationships. As the “new kid” recently arriving from New York, April Manning sets out to prove herself capable of performing at the highest level. Along with talent, April has grit, tenacity and compassion for other dancers who struggle to deal with the demands of their craft. She also falls in love. A key theme is grappling with whether or not sustaining love and a ballet career are both possible. The story highlights this theme of making hard choices in life that mark the direction our lives take.
Ballet Orphans is a pleasure to read, as Rose’s prose is wonderful, as smooth and delicious as ice cream. There is a maturity in it that shines through the writing, the story, and the emotional intelligence around relationships. And it reminds me how much I look forward to the next live Ballet performance.
Ballet Orphans is a pleasure to read, as Rose’s prose is wonderful, as smooth and delicious as ice cream. There is a maturity in it that shines through the writing, the story, and the emotional intelligence around relationships. And it reminds me how much I look forward to the next live Ballet performance.
January 19, 2021
First off, I’d just like to say how BEAUTIFUL this cover is! As a little girl, I don’t ever remember wanting to be a ballerina, but I’ve always thought of that world and the dancers as glittery and beautiful! This cover evokes all those feelings and is a home run for me!
This is book 3 in the Ballet Theatre Chronicles series but as it is a pre-quel to the other books, it can be read as a stand-alone.
I really enjoyed seeing ‘behind the curtain’ as they say. Ballet Orphans had just enough ballet terms and descriptions of the dances to make me feel like I was in their world without leaving me confused or dis-interested. The author also included a handy glossary of ballet terms in the back of the book (smart!).
The story follows April as the principal dancer as she journeys from one ballet company in NY to one in SF. I thought there were great characters within this story however April’s character stayed very distant from most of them so I really missed out on the different connections with other dancers that I had hoped would be there. But those other characters all have unique traits and if they are in Books 1 and 2, then I’m sure those books are also worth the read.
A lot of time in this book was spent on the romance between Russell and April, so ultimately, I would call this a romance novel, probably geared towards the YA crowd (clean romance scenes). I had hoped for more of the ballet world or maybe deeper dives into that world is a more apt description of what I was looking for. But overall, it was an enjoyable story and if you like romances or the dance world, this is worth picking up (along with books 1 and 2 for further character development).
This is book 3 in the Ballet Theatre Chronicles series but as it is a pre-quel to the other books, it can be read as a stand-alone.
I really enjoyed seeing ‘behind the curtain’ as they say. Ballet Orphans had just enough ballet terms and descriptions of the dances to make me feel like I was in their world without leaving me confused or dis-interested. The author also included a handy glossary of ballet terms in the back of the book (smart!).
The story follows April as the principal dancer as she journeys from one ballet company in NY to one in SF. I thought there were great characters within this story however April’s character stayed very distant from most of them so I really missed out on the different connections with other dancers that I had hoped would be there. But those other characters all have unique traits and if they are in Books 1 and 2, then I’m sure those books are also worth the read.
A lot of time in this book was spent on the romance between Russell and April, so ultimately, I would call this a romance novel, probably geared towards the YA crowd (clean romance scenes). I had hoped for more of the ballet world or maybe deeper dives into that world is a more apt description of what I was looking for. But overall, it was an enjoyable story and if you like romances or the dance world, this is worth picking up (along with books 1 and 2 for further character development).
January 2, 2021
Thanks to Classical Girl Press and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of Ballet Orphans.
I love reading about ballet studio/company rehearsals and the drama that accompanies. I devoured this fun book in a day, and highly recommend to others who enjoy reading about the dance world. The descriptions of the movements in the featured ballets such as Romeo and Juliet and Sleeping Beauty were detailed enough to remind me of exact stagings I've seen. Some of the casting dramas, etc. may seem overblown to others but were realistic to me.
The author uses ballet vocabulary extensively and appropriately and also includes a glossary for readers unfamiliar with the terminology. Although this is the third book in a series (written as a prequel), I did not feel that I was missing anything, having not read the other two books.
I love reading about ballet studio/company rehearsals and the drama that accompanies. I devoured this fun book in a day, and highly recommend to others who enjoy reading about the dance world. The descriptions of the movements in the featured ballets such as Romeo and Juliet and Sleeping Beauty were detailed enough to remind me of exact stagings I've seen. Some of the casting dramas, etc. may seem overblown to others but were realistic to me.
The author uses ballet vocabulary extensively and appropriately and also includes a glossary for readers unfamiliar with the terminology. Although this is the third book in a series (written as a prequel), I did not feel that I was missing anything, having not read the other two books.
January 28, 2021
I did find myself invested in the different characters then the romance between Russell and April which was so clean but still enjoyable. This can easily be a YA Romance as well. Although this is a strong ballet theme it gave me a feel that I did not need to feel like i know anything about ballet, yet I could see how it would appeal to those who do like if I read books about tennis.
Overall, a beautiful story with interesting weave of a plot that even when I had no idea about the topic I felt included. The personalities and the descriptions kept me turning the pages - Maybe my daughter will love this book one day! Also, thank you to Rose and Rockstar Book Tours for a chance to read Ballet Orphans for a honest review.
Come to www.Pineenshrined.com for the full review!
Overall, a beautiful story with interesting weave of a plot that even when I had no idea about the topic I felt included. The personalities and the descriptions kept me turning the pages - Maybe my daughter will love this book one day! Also, thank you to Rose and Rockstar Book Tours for a chance to read Ballet Orphans for a honest review.
Come to www.Pineenshrined.com for the full review!
January 26, 2021
Another amazing read!!
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the previous novels by Terez Rose and this newest is equally fabulous! I love how even though this takes place in 1989 it feels right and relevant for today. Terez Rose has an amazing talent to be able write a prequel story and have it fit so well with the other stories! I really enjoyed being caught off guard for the different plot twists that came up! " Oh Jana!" is all I will say...Definitely worth every moment I chose to ignore work and read till the end!!
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the previous novels by Terez Rose and this newest is equally fabulous! I love how even though this takes place in 1989 it feels right and relevant for today. Terez Rose has an amazing talent to be able write a prequel story and have it fit so well with the other stories! I really enjoyed being caught off guard for the different plot twists that came up! " Oh Jana!" is all I will say...Definitely worth every moment I chose to ignore work and read till the end!!
January 25, 2021
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
I will never think of ballet the same again. I knew it involved some really hard work but following April on her journey really showcases what all is involved. From coast to coast she works for her dream despite obstacles thrown in her way taking us along with her. Her passion for her career shows through in every decision she makes. Makes for riveting emotional journey readers sure to enjoy. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
I will never think of ballet the same again. I knew it involved some really hard work but following April on her journey really showcases what all is involved. From coast to coast she works for her dream despite obstacles thrown in her way taking us along with her. Her passion for her career shows through in every decision she makes. Makes for riveting emotional journey readers sure to enjoy. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
January 12, 2021
This was quite different than what I’m used to reading. But don’t misunderstand that statement. Different in no way means bad. It means I don’t ever remember reading a book with the focus on ballet. But I can now say that I’ve learn so much about a subject that I knew so little about.
Though part of a series, I felt no need to have read early books. What was happening to April Manning was completely clear. We followed her from New York, where she lost a prestigious dance spot and a boyfriend, to the West Coast where she attempts to fit into a new troupe.
This story was both enlightening and enjoyable. The descriptions were, of course, new to me, but those who enjoy dance and especially ballet will no doubt fall in love with this book.
The author did a wonderful job of blending the dance career and terminology with the story. I didn’t feel the need to know anything about ballet, yet I could see how it would appeal to those who do.
And the author didn’t forget about those of us not familiar with ballet and the terms. There is a nice Glossary of Ballet Terms included at the back of the book.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆
My thanks to Rockstar Book Tours for a copy of this book. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion
Though part of a series, I felt no need to have read early books. What was happening to April Manning was completely clear. We followed her from New York, where she lost a prestigious dance spot and a boyfriend, to the West Coast where she attempts to fit into a new troupe.
This story was both enlightening and enjoyable. The descriptions were, of course, new to me, but those who enjoy dance and especially ballet will no doubt fall in love with this book.
The author did a wonderful job of blending the dance career and terminology with the story. I didn’t feel the need to know anything about ballet, yet I could see how it would appeal to those who do.
And the author didn’t forget about those of us not familiar with ballet and the terms. There is a nice Glossary of Ballet Terms included at the back of the book.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆
My thanks to Rockstar Book Tours for a copy of this book. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion
January 23, 2021
Thank you Net Galley for the free ARC. Jealousy, subterfuge and the rigor of being in a ballet company in San Francisco. Good behind the curtains read.
dnf
December 31, 2020Won via goodreads giveaways. All my opinions are my own:)
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Not my cup of tea unfortunately. Not a bad book, just not for me. :(
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Not my cup of tea unfortunately. Not a bad book, just not for me. :(
December 29, 2020
Held my interest from the first page to the last
March 16, 2024
I LOVE dance movies. Always have, always will. Even with the bad acting and lame storyline, the dance part always gets to me. The best one ever - The Center Stage without a doubt....cant even count the numbers I have watched it. ⠀
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But this was the first time I have read a book about dance, more correctly, ballet. It was an interesting experience, I have to say. The book was solid, even though I did wanted more of...something. More action, more drama, more plot. But what surprised me is how this book felt like home. It spoke the language I understand. You can see the author was a dancer herself because she knows all the facts. And I was immediately transferred to my early 20's when theatre halls were my second home, where dancing was a life I chose to educate myself for, and where being on stage gave all the feelings of excitement, thrill and magic. I was there. I know all the dancers dramas, I've been through them all. Starting fresh, proving yourself, coping with jealousy, dealing with management, killing yourself on rehearsals, glowing on performance nights and hanging out with your theatre friends.⠀
⠀
Love. Passion. Pain. Disappointment. Ecstasy. Betrayal. Sacrifice. Addiction. That is what being a ballet dancer means. It is the worst life and it is the best life. And the author manages to present it amazingly well. ⠀
Big thanks to NetGalley and Classical Girl Press for an arc of this book.
⠀
But this was the first time I have read a book about dance, more correctly, ballet. It was an interesting experience, I have to say. The book was solid, even though I did wanted more of...something. More action, more drama, more plot. But what surprised me is how this book felt like home. It spoke the language I understand. You can see the author was a dancer herself because she knows all the facts. And I was immediately transferred to my early 20's when theatre halls were my second home, where dancing was a life I chose to educate myself for, and where being on stage gave all the feelings of excitement, thrill and magic. I was there. I know all the dancers dramas, I've been through them all. Starting fresh, proving yourself, coping with jealousy, dealing with management, killing yourself on rehearsals, glowing on performance nights and hanging out with your theatre friends.⠀
⠀
Love. Passion. Pain. Disappointment. Ecstasy. Betrayal. Sacrifice. Addiction. That is what being a ballet dancer means. It is the worst life and it is the best life. And the author manages to present it amazingly well. ⠀
Big thanks to NetGalley and Classical Girl Press for an arc of this book.
August 17, 2023
I'll be honest with you...
I didn't read the preceding books. I started one, but it didn't work for me, and I tried the next before discarding it as well.
But this works well as a standalone story!
The characters are headstrong, interesting, and well crafted.
The book itself is well written and moves at a steady pace, even through the times when it seems like the lead is lost. What kept me from giving it another star- is the main character's tendency to ignore red flags, other people's warnings, and her reluctance to speak up, or take credit for her hard work.
Very B-flick move right here.
But those are personal hang-ups of mine- and they shouldn't stop you from checking this out.
If you enjoy the genre, and are in the mood for a little tense, angsty, dramatic thriller, with ballet as the backdrop- then this is the book for you.
I didn't read the preceding books. I started one, but it didn't work for me, and I tried the next before discarding it as well.
But this works well as a standalone story!
The characters are headstrong, interesting, and well crafted.
The book itself is well written and moves at a steady pace, even through the times when it seems like the lead is lost. What kept me from giving it another star- is the main character's tendency to ignore red flags, other people's warnings, and her reluctance to speak up, or take credit for her hard work.
Very B-flick move right here.
But those are personal hang-ups of mine- and they shouldn't stop you from checking this out.
If you enjoy the genre, and are in the mood for a little tense, angsty, dramatic thriller, with ballet as the backdrop- then this is the book for you.
August 4, 2024
Dance Comes Alive
The perfect mix of professional ballet and storyline. A peek into the commitment required by the dancers, the challenges of the ballet world behind the scenes. You’ll be drawn into the egos of the best, the real emotions of those who want to be the principals as they work their bodies to limits we can only imagine. All of this with wonderful character development. It’s not a heavy read and sometimes you need a diversion. This is a wonderful diversion for those even slightly a fan of dance.
The perfect mix of professional ballet and storyline. A peek into the commitment required by the dancers, the challenges of the ballet world behind the scenes. You’ll be drawn into the egos of the best, the real emotions of those who want to be the principals as they work their bodies to limits we can only imagine. All of this with wonderful character development. It’s not a heavy read and sometimes you need a diversion. This is a wonderful diversion for those even slightly a fan of dance.
May 2, 2021
The world of ballet is unfamiliar to me and this was a slow start for me to get into, but I enjoyed this book. I learned a lot about the time and work the dancers have to put in to perform. I really liked the characters and while it was heavy on the dance aspect, it was good to read more about them outside of the ballet. I really liked April and Russell’s relationship development. I received a copy from the author.
August 21, 2021
Great series
Having read the other two books in the Ballet Theatre Chronicles, I couldn’t wait to read this new instalment and it did not disappoint. This prequel sets the scene for the later books, introducing characters that are familiar from book 1 and 2. Would definitely recommend.
Having read the other two books in the Ballet Theatre Chronicles, I couldn’t wait to read this new instalment and it did not disappoint. This prequel sets the scene for the later books, introducing characters that are familiar from book 1 and 2. Would definitely recommend.
March 6, 2021
A beautiful story of Ballet
As I read the author 's words, I knew she must be a dancer or an incredible researcher. This is a well-written, artistic work, and a good read even for those who know next to nothing about ballet or the world of dance.
As I read the author 's words, I knew she must be a dancer or an incredible researcher. This is a well-written, artistic work, and a good read even for those who know next to nothing about ballet or the world of dance.
September 25, 2022
Great read!
I really enjoyed this novel! I took ballet as a young girl- but never saw this side, the professional ballet world. I enjoyed the behind the scenes look and the romance too.
I really enjoyed this novel! I took ballet as a young girl- but never saw this side, the professional ballet world. I enjoyed the behind the scenes look and the romance too.
February 3, 2021
Inside look of the world of ballet dancers, the West Coast Company of them. The love, loses and hard work that is put into their art. Good flowing plot, good series.
May 30, 2021
Great book of the world of ballet. It has love, jealousy and drama. Very well written. I can’t wait to read the next in the series.
December 11, 2022
Interesting!
I never get to watch ballet. As a child I wanted to be a ballerina as all little girls. I never realized all the work it required. This story was an eye opener!
I never get to watch ballet. As a child I wanted to be a ballerina as all little girls. I never realized all the work it required. This story was an eye opener!
March 28, 2024
Delightful
I read this out of sequence but it doesn’t matter. A joyful read with well developed characters and a unique look behind stage. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
I read this out of sequence but it doesn’t matter. A joyful read with well developed characters and a unique look behind stage. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
August 28, 2024
Professional ballet dancers certainly have a tough life. It is so insular, it's no wonder there are so many relationship issues.
March 8, 2021
Fun and easy read for anyone with an appreciation for ballet! Terez Mertes Rose weaves together an enriching world full of romance, friendship, betrayal, heartache, company politics and even threats of murder. All set within the backdrop of a professional ballet company. This book has a little of everything and a lot of wonderfully descriptive dance scenes. Recommended for any reader that loves the performing arts. I’m looking forward to reading the other books in the series.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews