There’s nothing better than a good book to curl up with on a chilly fall evening, and I’ve got the perfect dance drama to add to your spooky-season reading list.
From mysterious rivalries to dark secrets hiding behind studio doors, these books explore a side of the ballet world that’s a little less sugar plums and sparkles and a little more sinister.
Whether you love a good psychological thriller or a creepy story with a ballet twist, here are a few books to add to your TBR pile this fall!
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The Sleeping Beauties by Lucy Ashe
Set in postwar England, The Sleeping Beauties by Lucy Ashe reimagines the familiar fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty against the glamorous yet unsettling backdrop of the ballet world.
When a mysterious Sadler’s Wells ballerina enters the lives of a widow and her ballet-obsessed daughter, an uneasy fascination quickly turns into something far more sinister.
With obsession, jealousy, and a dark fairy-tale atmosphere, Ashe puts a chilling spin on a classic story, making this a must-read for ballet lovers who enjoy their historical fiction with a little mystery and suspense.
The Still Point by Tammy Greenwood
If you love a little Dance Moms drama with a darker, more suspenseful twist, The Still Point by Tammy Greenwood belongs on your fall reading list.
When a celebrated French ballet dancer arrives at a Southern California conservatory to direct The Nutcracker and award one lucky student a prestigious scholarship, three aspiring ballerinas find themselves caught in an increasingly cutthroat competition.
As ambition, jealousy, and long-held secrets threaten to unravel the friendships between both dancers and their mothers, the stakes become much higher than a coveted role.
The Dance of the Dolls by Lucy Ashe
Set against the glittering yet cutthroat world of 1950s London ballet, The Dance of the Dolls by Lucy Ashe puts a dark, suspenseful spin on the beloved ballet Coppélia.
As a young dancer navigates the pressures of the prestigious Sadler’s Wells Ballet School, the story takes a sinister turn, revealing that the world of ballet can be just as eerie offstage as it is enchanting under the lights.
Just as Coppélia explores the fine line between dolls and real people, Ashe’s novel examines a man’s obsession with creating the “perfect” ballerina, at the chilling expense of her humanity.
The Ballerinas by Rachel Kapelke-Dale
What happens when the secrets of an elite ballet academy refuse to stay buried?
The Ballerinas by Rachel Kapelke-Dale follows a former dancer who returns to the Paris Opera Ballet after years away to choreograph a new work.
As old friendships resurface, long-held secrets begin to unravel, revealing the darker side of ambition, power, and the sacrifices women make to succeed in the ballet world.
This psychological thriller is perfect for readers who like their ballet stories with a healthy dose of suspense.
Join the Brainy Ballerina Book Club!
Whether you are an avid reader or looking to get into the habit, The Brainy Ballerina® Book Club welcomes you with open arms!
We are a community of dance lovers who are eager to expand our knowledge, feed our souls, and make meaningful connections.
Meet the Author
Caitlin Sloan is a Dance Educator and Career Mentor based in Madison, WI.
Caitlin received her Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Grand Valley State University and Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Missouri.
She danced professionally for nine years with companies including Ballet Tucson and Missouri Contemporary Ballet (now Mareck Dance). Caitlin has taught at schools all over the Midwest, most notably serving as Director of The School of Missouri Contemporary Ballet and Youth Company Director for Central Indiana Dance Ensemble. She is currently on faculty at the School of Madison Ballet.
Caitlin founded The Brainy Ballerina® in 2019, a virtual resource providing support and guidance for aspiring ballet dancers. Follow @thebrainyballerina on Instagram for your daily dose of dance career guidance and inspiration.
