Ballet Books: Must-Reads for Aspiring Dancers in 2025
Are you captivated by the elegance, grit, and artistry of ballet? If so, it’s probably time to go looking for your classic ballet books.
There’s really nothing quite like getting lost in a powerful biography or a beautifully written novel about a dancer’s life.
Ballet books have the power to inspire and motivate, and remind us that behind the elegance of ballet lies immense strength, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication.
In this blog post, I’ll explore the 10 best ballet books, highlighting the lives of dancers, their mental strength, and relentless drive.
WHAT ARE THE 10 BEST BALLET BOOKS?
The 10 best ballet books are:
#1. A BODY OF WORK: DANCING TO THE EDGE AND BACK
A Body of Work, written by David Hallberg is an honest and inspiring memoir that explores the dedication, sacrifice, and discipline required to succeed in ballet.
Hallberg shares both the triumphs of his international career and the challenges, including a devastating injury that nearly ended it.
It serves as a powerful source of encouragement for those facing bullying, loneliness in life abroad, and coping with injury.
Hallberg delivers a realistic yet hopeful reflection on the physical and emotional toll of dance and the courage it takes to return to the stage.
#2. MAO’S LAST DANCER
Mao’s Last Dancer is the extraordinary autobiography of Li Cunxin, who overcame a childhood of poverty in rural China to become a world-renowned ballet dancer.
His journey reveals the intense and disciplined training he endured under China’s communist regime, culminating in his dramatic defection to the United States.
He risked everything in the pursuit of artistic freedom and a better life!
His story underscores his struggle for freedom and the challenges of starting over in a foreign country.
It’s an inspiring read for dancers, offering a powerful reminder that true passion can overcome even the greatest obstacles.
#3. TAKING FLIGHT: FROM WAR ORPHAN TO STAR BALLERINA
Taking Flight is the inspiring memoir of Michaela DePrince, who was born in war-torn Sierra Leone and orphaned at a young age.
Despite immense hardship, she defied the odds and broke through the rigid stereotypes of the ballet world.
Rising to prominence as a Black ballerina in a traditionally Eurocentric art form, Michaela’s story stands as a powerful testament to strength, perseverance, and hope.
Her journey encourages dancers to challenge norms, advocate for diversity and inclusion, and stay determined even when circumstances seem impossible.
#4. HOLDING ON TO THE AIR
Holding On to the Air is the autobiography of Suzanne Farrell, one of America’s most renowned ballerinas and the longtime muse of George Balanchine.
The memoir follows her journey from a young dance student in Cincinnati to becoming a Principal Dancer with the New York City Ballet.
Farrell’s story provides a thoughtful and intimate reflection on a life dedicated to dance.
#5. DANCING ON MY GRAVE
Dancing on My Grave is a raw and powerful memoir by Gelsey Kirkland, one of the most celebrated ballerinas of her era.
The book traces her rapid rise to fame, her artistic partnership with Mikhail Baryshnikov, and the immense pressures within the ballet world.
Kirkland openly shares her struggles with eating disorders, drug addiction, and the relentless pursuit of perfection.
Her story sheds light on the often-hidden hardships behind the glamour of the stage.
Her story serves as a poignant reminder for dancers to prioritise their mental and emotional well-being.
#6. LIFE IN MOTION: AN UNLIKELY BALLERINA
Life in Motion is the inspiring memoir of Misty Copeland, the first African American female Principal Dancer at American Ballet Theatre.
Raised in a financially unstable household, Misty began ballet at the late age of 13, but through determination and hard work, she refused to let this hold her back.
The book explores her struggles with identity, body image, and the pressures of public scrutiny.
It also highlights her determination and resilience in overcoming significant racial and economic obstacles.
Misty’s story provides dancers with an honest perspective on the ballet world and underscores the importance of embracing one’s unique self.
#7. WINTER SEASON: A DANCER’S JOURNAL
Winter Season is an honest and intimate journal-style memoir by Toni Bentley, Principal Dancer with the New York City Ballet.
The book provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the daily life, challenges, and successes of a professional ballerina during a typical winter season.
Through personal reflections, rehearsals, performances, and moments of vulnerability, Bentley reveals the demands of staying in peak physical and mental shape.
Her open discussion of struggles with injuries, fatigue, and performance anxiety offers valuable lessons on the importance of self-care and resilience for dancers.
#8. MOMENTS WITH MARIANELA
Moments with Marianela is a beautifully crafted book offering an intimate look at Marianela Núñez, the Argentine-born Principal Dancer of The Royal Ballet.
Through the photography of Maria-Helena Buckley, it captures Núñez’s grace, dedication, and artistry, featuring images from rehearsals, backstage, and performances.
More than a photo collection, the book includes personal reflections and insights from Núñez.
This really gives you a unique glimpse into her journey and the life of a professional ballerina.
It’s an essential read for anyone passionate about dance and the stories behind the stage.
#9. FIRST POSITION
First Position is a compelling book that follows a group of young, aspiring ballet dancers as they prepare and compete in the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix.
The story highlights the dedication, discipline, and sacrifices they make as they vie for scholarships and contracts with elite ballet schools and companies.
Offering dancers an inspiring and realistic view of the intense competition, challenges, and passion required to succeed.
#10. GIRL THROUGH GLASS
Girl Through Glass by Sari Wilson is a beautiful novel about an 11-year-old prodigy as she navigates the pressures of training, mentorship, and growing up.
For dancers in full-time ballet school seeking a captivating fiction read, this story provides a thoughtful and relatable exploration of the sacrifices, ambitions, and emotional challenges.
WRAP UP
There’s something deeply fulfilling about reading the stories of dancers who share the same passions and dreams as you.
These tales can offer the sense of validation and motivation we sometimes need to keep chasing our goals with everything we’ve got.
Let these books rekindle your passion for dance and serve as a reminder of why you fell in love with ballet in the first place.
So next time you find a quiet moment, pick up a book.
You never know how far it might take you.
