Dancing in Red Shoes Will Kill You

Kayla Calloway has a big problem! It's her breasts. They seem to get in the way (literally and figuratively) and might prevent Kayla from pursuing her lifelong dream to be a professional ballerina. Although this novel from Dorian Cirrone is funny and fast-paced, it also explores questions surrounding body image in a thoughtful way. Teen readers will enjoy the behind-the-scenes look at the world of dance and the sweet romance between Kayla and Gray. -- Reviewed by Michelle Delisle

Ballet dancers know that talent isn't always enough to keep their career afloat. They have to have determination, dedication, passion, and technical accuracy, give amazing auditions and performances - and maintain a certain physique. There are those who adhere to strict diets in order to maintain a certain weight, and some sadly resort to dangerous tactics to keep a slim figure, jeopardizing their health AND their career in doing so. But what if a healthy, talented young dancer is naturally curvy? When teen ballerina Kayla becomes, how shall we say, more shapely up top, a teacher recommends that she have a reduction surgery. News spreads quickly at her performing arts school, causing a private matter to become even more public, more obvious, and more embarrassing. Then a pair of red shoes appear with a note bearing the book's title. With both her career and life in danger, and with her peers (especially the boys) openly and enjoyably discussing her appearance, Kayla becomes uncomfortable in the limelight. This book offers revelations and relevé, music and art, costumes and conflict. Years of rigorous training has made Kayla nothing if not determined, and, with the support of her sister and a few other supporting players, she holds her head up high and retains both her integrity and her love for dance. Dorian Cirrone has written a story to celebrate, all about sticking up for yourself (and others), sticking to your dreams, and having a positive self-image.

This is a delightful and fast-paced book, which also thoughtfully explores issues such as body image and artistic passion. Not only is the main character endearing and makes us root for her as she worries about her body, a boy, and rivalries at school, but each supporting character is fully drawn. I liked the humor throughout the book, as well as the inciteful glimpses of the pressures of being a voluptuous ballet dancer.

Dancing in Red Shoes Will Kill You is an important novel by first time author, Dorian Cirrone. Ms. Cirrone tackles the politics of female body image through the story of Kayla, a ballet dancer with size double D breasts who is heckled by classmates and encouraged to pursue plastic surgery by her dance instructor if she wants to get leading roles as a ballerina. Another more subtle message in the book is females supporting other females in their success. Dancing in Red Shoes Will Kill You has a fantastic cast of characters--from Paterson, the feminist, to Joey's humor to Gray, Kayla's hot love interest--and a plot that will keep the reader turning to the next page and the next and the next... This is a must buy book for mothers and fathers who want to reinforce the importance of a positive self-image for their daughters.