I really wanted to like this book, but the first half seemed to drag on. The last half picked up with some exciting twists thrown in. I’m a fast reader and had a hard time getting into it, hence the 3 star rating instead of 4. I loved the lyrical prose used to get a feel for what the ballet lifestyle is like, even if you’ve never been exposed to it.

This book is told from Delphines POV and follows her, Margaux, and Lindsey throughout their years at the Paris Opera Ballet (POB). The earlier years remind me of Center Stage while the later years are reminiscent of Black Swan.

What I enjoyed about this book is that the characters were relatable and felt real. As a reader, I could see the motivation behind actions and could tell the 3 main characters, while flawed, were not evil beings. This is a story of friendship, heartbreak, betrayal, forgiveness, and feminism.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for a review.

"We are all stuck in our own stories. And it is so easy to see someone through only one lens: the role they play in yours."

Delphine, Margaux, and Lindsay are all dancers with the Paris Opera Ballet. They have been friends since they were 12 and 13 years and have seen each other through all the drama and trouble that comes with their lives. Now in their 30s, their careers are ending and their lives are changing.

I know next to nothing about ballet, but that won't stop you from enjoying this book. It's about friendship and growing up and trying to move forward when your dreams aren't working out. The story is darker and troubling and very well written. I wish there had been more about Margaux, but that was my only issue.

THE BALLERINAS has a stunning cover and a winning premise. However, I think it's a disservice to call the novel a mystery or thriller.

I enjoyed the dual timeline, seeing the characters as girls and then as young women trying to find their way. The relationships between them seemed complex and genuine.

However, the plot is fairly slow moving and there's not much mystery to figure out--and even fewer thrills...

If this has been described as literary fiction or even book club fiction, that might be more accurate. I was expecting a grown up version of Tiny Pretty Things and this ended up being pretty different.

It took me a little while to get through this book, and to write the review because I really, really wanted it to redeem itself… But it just got worse.


As someone with two lifelong best friends, I was excited to read about a triumvirate of strong and unique women. However… The main character is just whiny, selfish, self-indulgent, and unrepentant. And she got worse, and worse as the story went on, culminating in a final, horrific, unpunished crime. The other women were: 1. Weak and stereotypical and 2. Unfinished, undeveloped, and stereotypical (oh! Wait! She’s a lesbian! That makes the story inclusive, right? ... not!)

The men are sexual creeps, the women are innocent victims. Done?

The story is billed first as a “Mystery & Thriller.” I’m wondering if that was a typo. I had to really think about it, but I guess the “mystery” was something about what two of the characters did to a third. It wasn’t mysterious, it wasn’t interesting, it’s wasn’t a plot-twist, it was barely mentioned throughout the story, and it was revealed - almost in passing - towards the end. As for thriller... I have no idea. Does pushing a guy out a window count? It wasn’t thrilling.

So.Many.Unpunished.Serious.Crimes.
Am I really expected to have sympathy for a saboteur and murderer because she didn’t like the way he treated her friend? This justified a murder?

But, the biggest, and most serious problem I had with this story - and it repeated, constituting a dangerous message - were the countless sexual predators and perpetrators or actual sex crimes basically unpunished and discussed in such a non-alarming way that it was disturbing. I get it ... ballet (like gymnastics and figure skating) are sports that are filled primarily with young girls and this attract a certain “bad character type.” So, if shining a light on the rampant excused behavior of these rapists and child molesters is the purpose of the novel... make it purposeful. Show a consequence. Explore the victims from a new perspective. Don’t just make it acceptable behavior because of the environment. Ok, so one guy lost his job... seriously?

I read to the end, because I kept waiting, and hoping, for some sort of justice. Had I known it wasn’t coming, I would have dropped it when the “strong woman” followed a sexual predator and serial cheater to to Russia.

Thirteen years ago, Delphine abandoned her prestigious soloist spot at the Paris Opera Ballet for a new life in St. Petersburg––taking with her a secret that could upend the lives of her best friends, fellow dancers Lindsay and Margaux. Now 36 years old, Delphine has returned to her former home and to the legendary Palais Garnier Opera House, to choreograph the ballet that will kickstart the next phase of her career. Once she comes back she realizes that those friendships are not like what she remembers. Years apart and a secret that could unravel everything weighs on them all.

The book was well written. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline. I read it all in one sitting. I definitely recommend giving this book a read.

A story about getting to the top; and how far one will go. Delphine’s mother was a ballerina. Since she was young that is all that she wanted to be. it consumes her. Delphine and her friends, Margaux and Lindsay will stop at nothing to rise to the top from sneaking out of their dorms to practice, to giving up motherhood, marriages, relationships, and even each other. The author paints a breathtaking picture of Paris and the world of ballet. With twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and characters you won’t soon forget, this is a hypnotic tale of three woman who will stop at nothing to fulfill their dreams.

Can we talk about how stunning this cover it? I love it! I was immediately drawn into this story and I loved it. It's a little slow but I didn't find this to be an issue. The pacing was necessary to tell the whole story. The Ballerinas blends the past and present together perfectly. It grabs you and takes you on a wild ride filled with secrets, passion and ballerinas. It does a great job at exploring the dark world of Ballet.

The Ballerinas is not usually my cup of tea, but sometimes I do enjoy a glass of wine. That is what this novel was for me, sophisticated, delicious and refreshing. It was beautifully written and pulled on a world ion ballet that is so restrictive and demoralizing to woman portrayed as objects but also so beautifully artistic. I felt the rage and despair in the writing but also the triumph and passion and I am so glad I read it.

Thank you netgalley for this arc

Growing up I was a competitive dancer and ballet was my favourite style. So, I always get excited about ballet books. I really enjoyed this book!

I found this to be a really interesting book that was character driven that anyone who is interested in the ballet world will enjoy. I thought it did a good job showing how destructive the dance world can be with dancers wanting to reach that perfection.

I didn't view this as a thriller; I thought it was more of a an emotionally filled drama. I liked the following Delphine's
progression through the years.

I thought this was such an enjoyable read. Thanks NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of this book!

This is definitely a story that I knew nothing about!
Ballerinas to me, are always talented dancer who I think live in the studio and then the stage. They live to dance forever and ever.
This book tells the intense story of three young girls who are in the ballet. They become friends at the Paris Opera Ballet School.
The novel alternates with the present timeline where they are beginning to age out in their mid-thirties and how they cope with this.
It is not easy for these ladies as time marches on and many decisions that have been made in the past will cause problems in present times.
It is truly an interesting read!

“Ballerinas are like point shoes : you have to break them down before they’re of any use”
One of my favorite quotes from the book, A ballerina is not just a pretty girl twirling on the stage, there is so much more to her !
“The ballerinas“ is about a trio of ballerinas who meet as students at P.O.B. Paris Opera Ballet School and the story moves between the trios teenage years and the present day times.
“The Ballerinas” delves into the complex and sometimes difficult aspects of female friendship and gives you a taste of the world of being a professional ballerina.
The ballerinas strive toward the almost impossible physical perfection that their career demands along with dealing with the difficulties that only occur in a ballerina’s world but compounded by the hardship of regular life issues.
I really enjoyed this escape into the world of the life of a professional ballerina.
This book would be great for Book Club‘s so much to discuss!
I did receive a complementary digital copy (ARC) from net galley and the publisher in return for a fair and honest review.

Very well written and quite poetic. It takes you to the far reaches of your mind and makes you wonder about your own friendships. I'd definitely read this again. It was very well written.

I haven't read a book with ballet as the primary premise so when I saw this come up on NetGalley I had to request. Surprise of all surprises...I was approved. I'm glad I was.

This is definitely a book that's outside my normal realm of reading and that's saying a lot because I read most anything. I LOVED to hate all three of the main characters, but then I also adored them. It's a twisted type of reader-to-character relatioship. I suspect that was the author's intention. I have heard that ballet is a dangerous form of art to immerse your livelihood in, and if it is anything like this book..I can see why.

This isn't just about the dynamics of friendship in a harsh world where only one can be the "star". This is also about how women are treated and pushed aside....looked at but not really SEEN. Where youth is worshipped and women in their 30s are ancient. It's also about how the heart and love we have for each other can overcome even the most unthinkable obstacles.

This isn't a fast-paced, grab you by the throat type of read. It is, however, a well written descent into a world most of us could only imagine.

I sincerely appreciate NetGalley and the author for making this E-ARC available. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.

This book is solid, character driven, well researched, realistic approach to the ballerinas’ disciplined, competitive, excruciating lifestyle!

I was expecting to read a thriller after seeing the blurb about defining the novel as Black swan meets Luckiest Girl Alive but this is closer to women’s fiction, drama, historical fiction genres.

I have a little hard time to get into the story because of the slow paced story telling. But luckily second half the author wrapped up the story and fasten the pacing to help me get through the entire premise. The conclusion is also better.

We’re introduced three ballerina friends Delphine ( narrator of the story), Margaux, Lindsey met at young age when they perform at Paris Opera Ballet. We witness the rivalry,anxiety attacks, high tension, excruciating demands of their profession they have to deal for finding their place at the entertainment industry.

They’re both passionate about being rising star, defeating their opponents, feeling the growing pressure on their shoulders and unfortunately nothing they can add in their life to replace with their passions for performance.

The big secret the girls keep and tragedy they face will change their entire life.

The realistic approach of how things work at the back stage of entertainment industry, how the system work between ballet companies were informative.

The second half of the book was more riveting and interesting, the pace picks up, capturing your entire attention. So you shouldn’t skip reading and become patient about progression. It’s truly worth your time and energy. You easily root for characters.

It’s a novel about performing arts, passion, friendship, betrayal, secrets, ambitions, dues.

I was expecting to read a chilling thriller so I got a little disappointed about the genre but overall it was solid, engaging, well written novel presents us a thought provoking perspective of ballerinas’ lives.

So many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

In this novel, three ballerinas who met as young dancers at the Paris Opera Ballet find themselves trying to plan their futures as they age out of the profession. However, each of them find it difficult to think of anything other than their passion for dance. Each of them have unfulfilled hopes of becoming a star of the ballet as well as an underlying resentment of the expected portrayal of a ballerina. These feelings culminate in a tragedy that will live with them for the rest of their lives.

This is a novel of friendship, ambition, artistic expression, betrayal, and secrets. In addition, it exposes the real world that exists behind the scenes of world renowned ballet companies and their dancers.

Thank you to Net Galley, author Rachel Kapelke-Dale, and St. Martin’s Press for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC of this interesting novel.

Black Swan is one of my all-time favorite movies, so when I read that The Ballerinas was being compared to that movie I knew I had to read it.
This stunning novel paints a dark portrait of the extremely competitive world of ballet. The Ballerinas follow 3 women that are apart of the Paris Opera ballet company from childhood friends to adult frienemies. The story rotates from past to present, with a ferocious intensity.

I loved the depth all of these characters had and how I felt like I personally knew them. Unlike the movie Black Swan, this book is a more realistic approach to the lives ballerinas live and what they go through. We also meet male dancers in the story and how they do not succumb to the same pressures as female dancers do.

The only issue I had with this book is the timelines were a bit too confusing at times. It wasn’t clear if I was reading about the past or present. I also wouldn’t necessarily call this book a thriller, but a story about the complexity of female relationships when they are in extreme situations.

I would recommend this book to fans of ballet and those who enjoy female-driven stories. Rachel Kapelke-Dale is definitely a very talented author and will be one to look out for in the future. Many thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin’s press, and Rachel Kapelke-Dale for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you for letting me read an ARC of this book!
I haven't read any ballet books before so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The book always had an ominous vibe to it throughout the entire novel that made me a little uneasy. The anticipation and build up of trying to figure out what happened had me flying through the book! It was interesting that it had past and present timelines in alternate chapters. I’ve never listened to the songs scattered throughout the novel so it was nice to take a pause from the book to listen to the titles referenced. I had fun reading this and am looking forward to more by this author!

The Ballerinas is an engaging, captivating novel that takes you right into the heart of the professional ballet world.

Back with the Paris Ballet as a choreographer, former dancer Delphine has been living in St. Petersburg in a relationship that is not exactly what she thought it was. Told across present and past timelines, Delphine, Margaux, and Lindsay strive for stardom in the ballet. I felt every aching muscle, every injury, every heartache as the girls competed for positions and supported each other. There is a bit of a mystery surrounding Lindsay and an injury which takes a very long time to actually be revealed, and actually ends up being rather anticlimactic by that point,

I was intrigued by the relationships each had offstage as well.

Rachel Kapelke-Dale is an author to watch; thoroughly enjoyed The Ballerinas; thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. I'm a musician, not a dancer, so I love any book where I can get lost in a story about ballerinas. This is the author's first novel and I'll definitely read more by her in the future!

THE BALLERINAS
BY RACHEL KAPELKE-DALE

This book was about three best friends who were at one time ballerina's in Paris for the Paris Opera Ballet. The book is mostly narrated by Delphine, who at the very beginning describes herself as one of the best dancers on the planet. She says that she has danced in sixty-four performances of Swan Lake, the Nutcracker forty-three times and performed twenty-six La Sylphides. Delphine's mother was a ballerina, as well. Her best friend's name is Margaux and the book starts out in September of 1985 when they are thirteen year's old. From there the book jumps all over the place in time alternating with the year 2018, when the girl's are thirty-six year's old.

Delphine has become a choreographer. She wants to do a production about the Romanov family which she titled Tsarina. The woman in charge of the ballet doesn't approve of it. This book was a one sitting read and was interesting but I don't want to say two much for fear of giving spoilers. I had been looking forward to reading this novel. I think it was well written and had a lot of philosophical truths about human nature. I was a bit disappointed in that the synopsis description and the actual narrative weren't completely what I was expecting. The synopsis sounded more in depth than what I read. It said that this novel was a cross between SWAN LAKE and I didn't think it turned out to be an accurate description. I think that is the reason why I was so disappointed in this novel even though it was likable, it just didn't live up to the expectations I was promised when I requested it.

It does have some issues between Jock and Delphine. Delphine does a very immoral couple of incidents to her other best friend and her husband and gets away with it. So don't go into this thinking you are getting SWAN LAKE because if you do I can assure that you will be sorely disappointed if not to my extent but to some degree. I have revised and tweaked my review on this one because in all honesty, while this one did disappoint me I liked it but just not as quite as much as I thought I would. I would say this was no higher than a 3.5 star read that is why I am not rounding it up to four whole stars. I hope that you will read this novel if you think this might still appeal to you based on my disclosure that the only reminder of SWAN LAKE is the sore and deformed feet that Ballerinas experience from jamming their feet into ballet shoes that are just too small. Weight issues are briefly mentioned and it is implicitly only mentioned along with how tall you are measured in centimetres in a way of telling not show me sort of writing.

Publication Date: December 7, 2021

Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin;s for providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#TheBallerinas #StMartin's #NetGalley #RachelKapelke-Dale