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Don't Forget To Smile

by Ariane Beeston

Clara has been dancing since she was three and knows exactly what she wants- a place at the Australian National Ballet School and a career as a principal dancer.

Elle, who accidentally found herself TikTok famous after a #balletfail went viral, is new to the dance world, horrified at how racist, sexist and classist it is, and thinks ballet needs to grand jete itself into the twenty-first century.

Ben, Elle's best friend, just wants to be able to dance en pointe and have his pick of both male and female solos.

Clara thinks Elle is a bit much. Elle thinks Clara's uptight. Ben's a bit stuck in the middle.

All three want to win the International Ballet Grand Prix at the Sydney Opera House. But when a scandal involving a famous dancer threatens their futures, the trio must put aside their differences to confront ballet's damaging traditions - and demand it do better.

'Sensitive, nuanced and bittersweetly hopeful' -Ange Crawford, author of How to Be Normal

'The book so many of us needed as young dancers trying to find our place in ballet - and in the world' -Chloe Angyal, author of Turning Pointe

'Fun and feisty with a dash of intrigue, this story will dance its way into your heart.' -Clare Atkins, author of Between Us

'Ariane Beeston knows ballet - and it shows. Exquisitely written with insight, grace, humour and plenty of heart, this story goes beyond the beauty of ballet, shining a timely spotlight on one our most beloved art forms. It's a compelling, captivating must-read for dance lovers that's sure to spark some much-needed conversation. I couldn't put it down.' -Chenee Marrapodi, author of One Wrong Turn and Breaking Pointe
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Pages:

304

Published:

Jun 2026

Format

Paperback

Publisher

Black Inc.

Imprint

Black Inc.

ISBN:

9781760645670

Clara has been dancing since she was three and knows exactly what she wants- a place at the Australian National Ballet School and a career as a principal dancer.

Elle, who accidentally found herself TikTok famous after a #balletfail went viral, is new to the dance world, horrified at how racist, sexist and classist it is, and thinks ballet needs to grand jete itself into the twenty-first century.

Ben, Elle's best friend, just wants to be able to dance en pointe and have his pick of both male and female solos.

Clara thinks Elle is a bit much. Elle thinks Clara's uptight. Ben's a bit stuck in the middle.

All three want to win the International Ballet Grand Prix at the Sydney Opera House. But when a scandal involving a famous dancer threatens their futures, the trio must put aside their differences to confront ballet's damaging traditions - and demand it do better.

'Sensitive, nuanced and bittersweetly hopeful' -Ange Crawford, author of How to Be Normal

'The book so many of us needed as young dancers trying to find our place in ballet - and in the world' -Chloe Angyal, author of Turning Pointe

'Fun and feisty with a dash of intrigue, this story will dance its way into your heart.' -Clare Atkins, author of Between Us

'Ariane Beeston knows ballet - and it shows. Exquisitely written with insight, grace, humour and plenty of heart, this story goes beyond the beauty of ballet, shining a timely spotlight on one our most beloved art forms. It's a compelling, captivating must-read for dance lovers that's sure to spark some much-needed conversation. I couldn't put it down.' -Chenee Marrapodi, author of One Wrong Turn and Breaking Pointe
$24.00
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