From the Bookshelf of Bound Together…

The Ballerinas

Rachel Kapelke-Dale

Start date: November 10, 2021

Finish date: November 23, 2021

Discussion: A Sneak Peek~Under the Covers

Discussion leader: Diane S ☔

Why we're reading this: Upcoming ARC
Publishes 12/7/21
[close] Upcoming ARC
Publishes 12/7/21

Find A Copy At

Libraries

Group Discussions About This Book

No topics in A Sneak Peek~Under the Covers yet. Start one now »

What Members Thought

Nov 10, 2021 Diane S ☔ rated it liked it

3.5 I have long been fascinated by ballet, gymnastics, ice skating, all those endeavours that take a large commitment, passion, and so much work. I'm in awe of the people who pursue their dreams, overcoming many obstacles. Which is what this book is about. Margaux and Delphine met at the Paris opera ballet when they were very young. Lindsay comes in a little later, but the three are fast friends. Friendship though only goes so far when there are only two slots for a promotion, but three of them. ...more

56 likes · Like · see review

Nov 27, 2021 DeAnn rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2021, netgalley-2021

3.75 en pointe stars

I have always loved ballet, so I was drawn to this title. I’ve taken classes for a few years and professional ballerinas make it look so easy when I know it is so difficult!

This tale centers on three friends at the Paris Opera Ballet School. Can you truly be friends though in such a competitive atmosphere? This book explores that and really is a character-driven tale. What sacrifices will they make to get ahead?

Delphine and Margaux are the original two students and friends, a 3.75 en pointe stars

I have always loved ballet, so I was drawn to this title. I’ve taken classes for a few years and professional ballerinas make it look so easy when I know it is so difficult!

This tale centers on three friends at the Paris Opera Ballet School. Can you truly be friends though in such a competitive atmosphere? This book explores that and really is a character-driven tale. What sacrifices will they make to get ahead?

Delphine and Margaux are the original two students and friends, and Lindsay joins a few years later. The book switches back and forth in time, giving us pieces of the story. There’s foreshadowing of a deep secret that finally comes out. It’s clear that the school promotes the ballerinas that have perfect form and keeps very high standards. The work is grueling and takes its toll on their bodies. The schedule creates an insular world as well.

Delphine leaves the ballet company and follows a choreographer to St. Petersburg. This was an interesting angle as these women can’t be top ballerinas forever. I enjoyed seeing one potential path, but it’s hard to excel, even in this female dominated world of ballerinas. There are powerful men on the boards, as choreographers, and artistic managers and they like to keep things just as they are traditionally. Plus, there’s the public image to consider, and many feel it’s best to keep the unsavory things very quiet.

As Delphine returns to Paris fourteen years later, she tries to patch up her friendship with Margaux and Lindsay. She is casting for her own ballet and wants to have a spot for Lindsay especially. Romantic relationships can be tricky for these dancers as the training consumes so much of their lives. And how do these women balance a desire for a family when it is hard to take a break from dancing for pregnancy?

A thought-provoking tale that gave me a behind-the-scenes view of ballet. I still love to watch ballet, but I think it’s very hard on the ballerinas.

This made for an interesting buddy read and I enjoyed discussing different elements with Marilyn and Susan!

Thank you to publisher St. Martin's Press for the early copy to read and review. This one is out soon -- December 7, 2021. ...more

35 likes · Like · see review

May 26, 2021 Mona Garg rated it liked it

Shelves: ebooks, women-s-fiction

Thank you, NetGalley, for my e-ARC.

Although my exposure to ballet is limited to taking a childhood class and watching Flesh & Bone, a TV series, I am in awe of the artists. The physical, mental, and emotional stress they endure is unimaginable. And, from childhood, ballet is their whole world. Their single-minded focus. Their obsession. Above everyone and every thing. Much is sacrificed : romance, family, friendship...morals.

Delphine, Margaux, and Lindsay : friends and ballerinas from their time ...more

7 likes · Like · see review

Dec 06, 2021 Sanda rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2021-reading-challenge, netgalley

I love dance & I find the world of ballet fascinating so when I got a chance to read an ARC of The Ballerinas, I naturally jumped at it (thank you NetGalley & St. Martin's Press) The fact that the story (for the most part) takes place in Paris was just icing on a very yummy cake.

Delphine, Margaux & Lindsay meet as 13 year old at a fictional Paris Ballet Opera and quickly become a super tight trio. The story centers around Delphine, who now in her mid 30s returns to her homestead after living in ...more

5 likes · Like · see review

Nov 27, 2021 Dana rated it liked it

Shelves: netgalley

An intriguing look into a prestigious ballet school in Paris, and relationships forged there. Secrets and betrayals abound, although this was a slow-burn. It took me well into the second half to learn what had happened in the past to lead the characters where they were. Nonetheless, I cared enough about the main character to keep going and see it through. A solid read!

2 likes · Like · see review