Books About Ballet

I just finished reading a nonfiction ballet book and it occurred to me how many fiction books about ballet I have read in the last few years. I was never a ballet dancer- except for my one attempt as a child. That was when I realized I did not have the feet or the patience. However, my fond memories of watching the Nutcracker every year gave me an appreciation for the strength and endurance required to be a dancer.

books about ballet

Prima ballerinas and the male ballet dancers (called ballerinos) are athletes in every sense of the word. If you are looking for books about women in sports, I have an entire post!

The best thing about this list is that it has something for everyone- thriller, fantasy, nonfiction, and more. These are some of my favorite books across genres. There is something so magical about ballet both in person and on the page. I hope you love this list of books as much as I loved putting it together.

The Best Ballet Book

the ballerinas

Author: Rachel-Kapelke Dale

Year: 2021

Genre: Thriller

Spice Rating:đź’‹

Age Range: 16+

This incredible story about a trio of ballerinas in Paris is a thriller and a feminist commentary all in one. I could not put it down!!!

It’s all about the tolls dancing takes on the physical and mental well-being of Paris’s premiere ballerinas. With some #metoo moments in here as well, this is a great book club book. There is so much to talk about. Delphine Leger was once a soloist at the Paris Opera Ballet until she left for St. Petersburg. Now it is thirteen years later and she has returned to Choreograph a ballet where her career began.

But with her return, long-buried secrets will come to the surface. Things do not stay the same

I loved it so much when I listened to it that I tried to steal Jackie’s copy in this funny Instagram reel. It was unlike any thriller that I had read before and love that it is slow burn with great characters and a great storyline.

I used to dance when I was much younger and had a Russian ballet teacher who taught some of the greatest dancers in the world (I am not included in that group). Even though I was never good, I saw first hand the lengths that some dancers would go to for success. This book touched on all of that and it is totally accurate (if not exaggerated).

Find this book in: Books for Book Clubs / Books Set in Paris / Books About Women in Sports / 2020 Audie Award Winners / Books About Ballet

Books About Ballet

City of night birds

Author: Juhea Kim

Genre: Fiction

Release Date: November 26, 2024

More info: December 2024 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

Natalia was one of the most celebrated dancers in the Russian ballet before an injury put her career on hold for two years. Now, she is returning to the ballet addicted to pills and alcohol to numb her pain. She’s been offered a roll she’s always coveted and she must decide whether she can rise to the challenge, and face her past and the people responsible for her highs and lows.

I found the story to be interesting but I didn’t love any of the characters. I respected Natalia’s drive and talent but found her to be cold and distant. Similarly, the two men she is interwoven between felt one-dimensional. That technical side and mental resilience it takes to be a ballerina were wonderful to read, however.

Find this book in: Books About Ballet / Books About Women in Sports

The Italian Ballerina by Kristy Cambron

Author: Kristy Cambron

Year: 2022

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: Mutiple Timeline

Age Range: 16+

This book is based on the true accounts of Syndrome K, the deadly and highly contagious disease that was fabricated by doctors in Rome to save Jewish people from Nazi extermination.

In the past, Courtney Coleman has had a troubled past and decides to enlist when Pearl Harbor is bombed. While he is there, he meets Julia Bradbury, an Italian ballerina, and together with another allied medic and the hospital staff, they work together to try and save the Jewish people from the Nazis.

In the Present day, Delaney Coleman has recently lost her grandfather, a WW11 veteran. Soon after, Delaney’s family is contacted by an Italian woman who claims they have a family heirloom. Delaney travels to Italy to discover her grandfather’s past.

WWII

This amazing WW11 historical fiction novel takes place in three timelines. While I was a little bit confused initially, I could not put the book down by the end. I did not know about syndrome K before I read this book and it was absolutely fascinating.

Find this book in: Books About Ballet / Books set in Italy / Ultimate Beach Reads 2023

norcturne

Author: Alyssa Wees

Year: 2023

Genre: Fantasy

Spice Rating:đź’‹

Age Range: 17+

I absolutely adored this pick for best fantasy books of 2023 because it’s pure magic at its best. What starts as a historical fiction set in Chicago in the 1930s transforms into a beautiful fantasy about a ballerina, her violin, and the kingdom of death.

When Grace becomes the prima ballerina at The Near North Ballet Company, she is overjoyed that her dream has come true. In accepting this position, she has become a patron of Master LaRosa and must move into his mansion.

She is not sure what he wants from her. Soon, she discovers there is so much more within the mansion than she thought possible.

This Beauty and the Beast retelling is perfect for a list of books like ACOTAR. It is beautiful and absolutely heartbreaking. The writing is lyrical and I savored every minute.

Find this book in: Ultimate Beach Reads 2023/ Books Like The Night Circus / Fairy Tale Retellings for Adults & YA / Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / Books About Ballet

The Swans of Harlem

Author: Karen Valby

Year: 2025

Genre: YA Nonfiction

Age: 12+

More info: Adapted from the

This riveting story tells the tale of five Black female ballerinas who were members of The Dance Theater of Harlem. The famed ballet company was created by Arthur Mitchell and performed for celebrities, presidents, and royalty.

Their impressive, trailblazing stories were resurrected in this non-fiction account of how the troop came to be. It also details the racism and lack of opportunities for black ballerinas during the civil rights movement.

Racism

I grew up hearing about Misty Copeland, the first Black Principal ballerina at ABA. I had no idea of the women who paved the way for her success years before she was born. Their story was inspiring and heartwarming, and sadly ignored until now. Valby did an incredible job bringing their story to life and the adapted version for young adults was just as enjoy for me as it would be to a teen.

Find this book in: Best Books for 12-Year-olds / Books About Ballet / Books About Women in Sports / Books About Sports

kisses and croissants

Author: Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau

Year: 2021

Genre: YA Romance

Spice Rating:đź’‹

Age Range:12+

Mia plans on spending the support in Paris pursuing her dream of being a professional ballerina. It is in her blood- the family rumors say that her family member was painted by Degas. Now, she is in Paris and there is so much more competition than she thought there would be. There is also a distraction in the form of Louis. Paris is supposed to be the city of Love.

Ahhh. This was just what I needed. A little bit of Paris, a little bit of ballet and a perfect romance to go with it. This book reminds me of one of my favorite movies- Center Stage- but set in beautiful Paris. It made me feel like I was there and I couldn’t put the book down.

Find this book in: YA Romance Books / Books Set in Paris / Beach Reads 2021 / Books About Ballet

More Ballet Books

BTB Elements and icons 10

If you love ballet and are interested in reading a ballet book, here are a few suggestions

  • Have a look at the descriptions, age rating, and other pertinent information. These will give you a good idea of whether the book sounds appealing
  • Have a preferred reading genre? Jackie and I included that information in the book descriptions as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best ballet book?

the ballerinas

Jackie and I have a favorite ballet book! It is The Ballerinas by Rachel Kapelke-Dale.

Does Anyone Have a Good Ballet Book (Fiction) to Recommend?

I have 6 great books about ballet from across genres. Whether you are looking for historical fiction, thrillers, or fantasy, there is something for everyone on my list.

Epilogue

Which are your favorite books about ballet? Did I include it on this list? If not, please let me know so I can add it to my TBR.

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