Bunheads
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4.5 • 84 Ratings
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- $8.99
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
A vibrant and absorbing novel about the competitive world of professional ballet, written by a former New York City Ballet dancer.
As a dancer with the ultra-prestigious Manhattan Ballet company, nineteen-year-old Hannah Ward juggles intense rehearsals, dazzling performances, and complicated backstage relationships. But when she meets a spontaneous and irresistibly cute musician named Jacob, her universe begins to change.
Until now, Hannah has happily followed the company's unofficial mantra, "Don't think, just dance." But as Jacob opens her eyes to the world beyond the theater, Hannah must decide whether to compete against the other "bunheads" for a star soloist spot or to strike out on her own.
Don't miss this behind-the-scenes look at the life of a young professional ballet dancer, written by an insider who lived it all.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Exhilaration and drudgery, passion and exhaustion, exist side by side for dancers in the exalted Manhattan Ballet, a world unto itself, which Flack (a former New York City Ballet dancer) brings vividly to life in this strong debut. Supported by her parents, Hannah moves to Manhattan alone at age 14 to pursue her dream; by 19 she is a senior corps dancer. Hannah finds gratification in the self-discipline and relentless cycle of rehearsals and performances, all in pursuit of perfect beauty, presentation, and a possible solo. However, she's also frustrated with her insular life. The ballet's dependence on wealthy patrons offers a window into the lives of the super-rich, which depresses Hannah, and the physical demands of her work take a toll on her ("To anyone on the outside... I look thin and willowy.... But in the world of the Manhattan Ballet, my figure is apparently unacceptable"). After meeting Jacob, an NYU student and musician, Hannah feels increasingly torn between her love for ballet and the temptations of normal life. Readers, both dancers and "pedestrians" (the corps' term for nondancers), will find Hannah's struggle a gripping read. Ages 15 up.
Customer Reviews
Bunheads
I love this book! I am also a ballet dancer and I could relate. There were many ballet terms (French words) that were in the book that other people may not have understood because they weren't exposed to it. Take that into consideration before you read this book. Otherwise, this is the best book I have ever read!!!!
pretty good
pretty good book i will say. it definitely gives a light on what it’s like to be a dancer that doesn’t get many (if not at all) solos. i do wish that the book did go on a little further but super good!!
Best book ever!
This book is amazing! I had my nose in the book every second of the day that I could. This book made me want to start ballet. With the whirling emotions and the pressure of dance and the competition, this book made for a very exciting story, of someone's everyday life. I have recommended this book to all of my friends, it is truly amazing, even if you don't exactly understand or like ballet!