Five Books About Ballet for Leap Day
We have an extra day this year and it deserves a book list. I considered various themes (frogs, high jumpers, lizards) before settling on ballet because it is the most graceful leaping I can imagine. These five novels will take you behind the scenes in this glamorous and complicated world.
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Dancing for Degas by Kathryn Wagner
A young woman's desire to support her family by dancing in Paris may be derailed when she falls in love with artist Edgar Degas.
Russian Winter by Daphne Kalotay
When former Bolshoi Ballet star Nina Revskaya decides to sell her jewellery collection, she believes that her connection to the past has been severed, however, one of the jewels may help a Russian professor solve the mystery of his own life.
The True Memoirs of Little K by Adrienne Sharp
99-year-old Mathilde Kschessinska, former prima ballerina of the Russian Imperial Ballet, recalls her younger days as a dancer during the Romanov dynasty.
Various Positions by Martha Schabas
This acclaimed debut novel tells the story of a young woman learning to cope with the beautiful and brutal world of professional ballet.
When We Danced on Water by Evan Fallenberg
Teo, a choreographer, and Vivi, a waitress, argue, and share long-buried secrets as their unorthodox relationship grows.
Staff members at your local branch can help you locate additional materials on ballet.
3 thoughts on “Five Books About Ballet for Leap Day”
you are SO clever!
Thanks, Debby, you’re making me blush…
This is amazing! I have been in love with ballet since childhood and have always wanted to read a thoughtful historical novel on the subject. Thank you for this list!