This is largely a story about female friendship set against two really compelling backdrops: the world of ballet and Paris. The lives of Delphine, Lindsay and Margaux are told through alternating timelines, one current and others scattered over years past. Their relationships twist and turn through their connections to each other and their willingness to share their joys and their challenges.

What I felt made this story most meaningful was the ongoing personal reflections that Delphine shares with the reader. Her lifetime of giving her heart, soul and her body to her profession in a way that was largely unreciprocated became extremely relatable to me. Sure, my job has never required significant physical dedication, but I think there is a realization that many women make in their mid-to-late-thirties, when they recognize the disillusion that may have fuelled much of their commitment in life, particularly professionally. The Ballerinas gives the reader a chance to compare their own lived experience to a more glamourous version of the same and to get a clear view of how much we all have in common.

The Ballerinas is a perfect work of contemporary fiction, blending cultures and worlds while still remaining firmly focused on the beautifully imperfect characters.

Thanks to Netgalley and author for the arc in exchange for my unbiased opinion on the book. Love the book. Would love to read more from the author

From the beginning of the book, the reader is absolutely immersed in the behind-the-scenes world of ballet through the eyes of Delphine who along with her best friends, Lindsey and Margaux, are three young women who have trained their entire lives to be ballerinas. Alternating between the story of the girls' friendship as they grew into adulthood in the ballet world in Paris, and Delphine's return to Paris from Russia years later as a choreographer, the evolves around the theme of female empowerment and self-efficacy. Secrets, mistakes, and regrets have an effect on their relationships, and they learn, as a character states, the choice to grow up is not the same as growing older.

The story's in-depth look at the life of a ballerina, the good/bad/ugly, was fascinating, and will appeal to anyone who ever thought of a career in dance or other performing arts. The portrayal of the friendship was believable and realistic, as it changed through the years as well as the envy and competition that existed between the characters. The Ballerinas is not just a ballet book, but a look at how even in a world where females outnumber males by a large margin, women are not always in control of what happens to them.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the eGalley of The Ballerinas in exchange for an honest review.

This one didn't hold my interest. The timeline was confusing and the characters not particularly likeable.

Growing up in a ballet studio, I knew I had to read this book. It was so fun for me to really understand the world that was being described, and it caused me to be more invested in the plot as it unfolded. The multiple timelines were really well done, and the pacing was perfect--it didn't feel like things were being revealed too quickly and causing any hiccups in the narrative. I love the friendships depicted and the messiness; it felt really authentic to life, but also to the ballet world specifically. This book is really gripping--an excellent debut!

The Ballerinas was a glimpse into the competitive and cut throat world of professional and aspiring professional ballet dancers. While I do not think this was a thriller, I did enjoy getting to know the main characters and seeing how their lives diverged and came together again as they advanced personally and professionally. A bit of mystery and some nefarious characters made for an interesting read.

**I received an electronic ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review of this book.

I was excited about the desscription of this book and the beautiful cover, but I unfortunately didn't find myself being able to connect with the characters. I found reading it to be a bit of a chore with the woemn's jealousies and rivalries. I think someone who is interested in more character drama and conflict would enjoy this but it was not a good fit for me.

An in-depth character-driven women's fiction that delves into the complexities of female friendships, the pursuit of perfection in the means of artistic expression. Fourteen years ago, Delphine gave up her soloist position at the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet School and left to St. Petersburg alongside with her secrets. Delphine, now 36 years old, returns to her former home and to the Paris Opera Ballet School to begin her next phase of her career as a choreographer. As she tries to make things right with her friends Margaux and Lindsay, she realizes things have changed during her time away and secrets cannot be buried forever.

The story alternates between the trio's adolescent past and the present. It slowly unfolds the mystery that hovers over the trios' lives. There may be some misconception in the marketing of this novel but this is more of a character study and emotionally-driven book. I honestly love reading a good character-driven novel so for me this was one immersive and engaging read. Rachel Kapelke-Dale's writing showcases her strength in the raw and honest portrayal of the ballet and entertainment industry with her pierce observation on infertility, abortions, domestic abuse, female friendships, societal expectations, ambition and power. The strong character developments of the trios evoked the flawed, vulnerability and resilience that made these women authentically true and relatable. The author's outstanding research is evidenced through her compelling writing that provided for an informative, heartbreaking yet empowering reading experience. When I usually read stories about ballet it is usually focused on women. However, I truly appreciated the author providing a different perspective by spotlighting on male dancers and the struggles they also face in this tough industry. A thought-provoking and gripping tale about one's passion, ambition and the many trials that fuels female rage that leads them to explosive outcomes. Adeptly constructed, filled with moving prose and sharp observations that is thought-provoking and electrifying.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book really makes you understand the life of a ballerina. the good and the bad. The jealousy, the being in the shadow of someone else, this book really took you through every part of a ballerinas life. It also dealt with the other parts of their life like friendship and how difficult it is to maintain and grow a friendship. It is a great book for anyone who has been a dancer in the past, but it will also keep any reader engaged because the story telling it so well done.

The Ballerinas was an enjoyable read, with moderate action and a lot of scandals. It was a solid 4.5 star read for me.

The Ballerinas is told in alternating timelines. The struggles these women went through to become professional ballerinas at the Paris Opera Ballet was interesting and kept my attention throughout the entire book. I enjoyed being transported back to an era when a woman's choices were so limited, but also well-developed characters and stunning scenery from France.

"The Ballerinas" is a recommended read for fans of fiction, ballet, and thriller books. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

I received an eARC of The Ballerinas by Rachel Kapelke-Dale for review provided by NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press. 4⭐️

The first thing I really loved about this book is the accuracy of the cut throat world of ballet. You can tell Kapelke put a lot research into this or at some point was a dancer herself. I was expecting more of a dark thriller based on the reference of Black Swan meets Luckiest Girl Alive and unexpected plot twists. I wouldn’t necessarily put this book in the thriller genre. The pace is slow but filled with drama and scandal. My only complaint is the alternating times, it was some times difficult to figure out which one I was in.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and the look into the world of ballet; The struggles Delphine, Lindsey, and Margeaux endured; their friendship; the secrets. If you’re a lover of dance, scandal, and character driven books then this one is for you.

Fourteen 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 - and, she hopes, finally make things right with her former friends. But Delphine quickly discovers that things have changed while she's been away...and some secrets can't stay buried forever.

Moving between the trio's adolescent years and the present day, Rachel Kapelke-Dale's The Ballerinas explores the complexities of female friendship, the dark drive towards physical perfection in the name of artistic expression, the double-edged sword of ambition and passion, and the sublimated rage that so many women hold inside - all culminating in a twist you won't see coming, with magnetic characters you won't soon forget.

The Ballerinas by Rachel Kepelke-Dale is an engaging and quick read centering on the complex friendship of three ballerinas.

I didn't want to put this book down as I read the story of our leading protagonist, Delphine. The story takes place both in present day with Delphine returning to the Paris Opera Ballet after 13 years away. Each chapter also includes past flashbacks starting with when Delphine met her two friends at POB and progressing chronologically through their budding ballet careers.

As a former professional dancer I thought the author did a great job representing the ballet scene. Her ability to juxtapose the beauty of ballet while realizing the grit behind it was relevant and appreciated. She examined a few different aspects of the darker side of ballet: the cut throat competition for roles, or in this case ranks even between close friends, the problematic patriarchal structure of ballet, and the effects of the extreme pressure put on dancers over time.

An ominous vibe courses throughout the story. The reader is anxious to discover not only a secret of Delphine's past, but also who she is. That being said, I didn't find the book to be as dark as the stories it compares itself to in the synopsis until the unexpected ending. Sure, Delphine is ultra self centered and has made questionable decisions, but her nativity and character ARC show that she has good intentions.

My main critique for this book is that I would get on board with a plot line that I thought was extremely interesting and then it would fizzle out for a different plot line to take the front. Delphine is juggling several heavy plot points at once so sometimes the focus felt frantic. The ending was quick and exciting and predictably unpredictable, but if I'm being picky it could have used a bit more build up.

Overall I thought the respect and detail given to the ballet world was impeccable. Readers that enjoy dance, friendship dramas, and dark mysterious pasts will enjoy this book.

While I liked this, I didn’t feel it really should be marketed as a thriller. I never once got that vibe. Perhaps women’s fiction, or drama.

Nonetheless, it’s intense and well-researched. The look into ballet and the lifestyle shows he brutality of it all. The cutthroat nature.

The second half is more intense and fast-paced. Which helped my enjoyment of the story.

Rachel Kapelke-Dale's first fiction work, The Ballerinas, is a study of characters, friendships, and dance. The world of ballet is always fascinating, and in The Ballerinas we follow narrator Delphine and her friends Margaux and Lindsay as they grow from dance class tweens to company dancers.

The Ballerinas is told through a modern-day storyline (2018) interspersed with flashbacks - but flashbacks with a healthy dose of the present. Throughout the novel, we know Delphine and Margaux did something to hurt Lindsay; we know Delphine fled to Russia and became a choreographer. Now back in Paris in her mid-30s, Delphine tries to find her place in the Paris Opera Ballet, where her own mother was an etoile (star) dancer.

Delphine is haunted by a lot of ghosts - her mother, failed relationships, what she did to Lindsay, her floundering career. The Ballerinas is mostly a tale of her growth, finding herself as a woman and not staying stuck in her young adulthood. As she tries to reestablish relationships with Margaux, Lindsay, and an old flame, Delphine finds that maybe you can't really go home again.

I'd recommend this novel to those who are really open to character-driven novels without likeable characters.

2.5 stars

First things first, this cover is stunning.

"The Ballerinas" is being marketed as a mystery/suspense novel and its really not like that. It's much more character driven and the plot points that involve like "crime" honestly just don't even fit into the novel as smoothly as they would if they were a bit more toned down - and nothing really was a surprise. It is certainly a slow-burn book.

The story follows Delphine, Margaux, and Lindsey starting as children in ballet school to their mid-adult lives. They are future ballerinas who meet at the Paris Opera Ballet. Of course we see the physical and mental struggles, the competition between friends and catty girl things. We also see each girl as she's broken down by her dreams and choose paths that are slightly different for each.

It is definitely written for a dancer - there's lots of formal ballet references and specific language used. Being a dancer I appreciated this and it contributed to my enjoyment of the story. BUT if you don't have an interest in ballet, I'm not sure this one is for you, it's very specific.

At the heart of the story is the love of ballet, the acceptance of sacrifice and the power of friendship.

There's many emotional and raw moments throughout the story which are beautiful. Ultimately, while I enjoyed it and am glad I read it, it didn't captivate me and I was disappointed with certain aspects of the story. I'm not sure this book is for everyone but if you are a ballet lover and enjoy character-driven dramas you will enjoy it.

Thank you to the publishers for the arc.

thank you Netgalley for the ARC of The Ballerinas
I had a hard time getting into this book, the description sounded better than my reading experience
The story goes between past and present, but how is was told was confusing and hard to follow
I found it a slow read, and didn't really connect with the characters. it did not come across as a thriller or mystery. I have to admit I started to skim the book after reading the first part of the book and did not finish it.
The premise and idea sounded great, but the writing style was lacking

Rachel Kapelke-Dale's novel, The Ballerinas, transports readers directly into the heart of the ballet dancers life, for better and worse. It's not all glamorous but it's a dancers entire world and with Kepelke-Dale's prose we get to experience that world for ourselves, the beauty, the grace, the strength, the competition that runs every dancers life. This novel is also very character driven, with each character so well developed they feel real and the reader forms love or distaste for each character without even realizing it.

The Ballerinas revolves mainly around the complicated relationships and friendships between the three flawed ballerinas from the tender age of 13. After reaching a point in her career Delphine, harboring a secret, leaves her soloist role at the prestigious and exclusive Paris Opera Ballet (POB) to go to St Petersburg, where she remains until reappearing years later back in to the world of the POB, this time with an entirely different goal and career in mind.

This is a slow burn novel with Delphine's secrets very slowly being revealed as the story moves on. In the mean time the narrative goes between the past and the present, a narrative style that I'm not sure works the best for this story but if you pay close attention to the date's it's something you can get through.

If you've ever dreamed of being a ballerina or attending the ballet as an appreciating fan this book is for you. It is not an intense thriller, more of a drama with some suspense so I feel it would be appropriate for readers beginning from early teen to adult. The Ballerinas has something to appeal to all of us whether aesthetically, emotionally, or intellectually every reader will walk away with something positive from this book regardless of your opinion on the book as a whole.

For that reason I rate this book a 3.5, one that is worth reading and seeing it through the end.

Thank you to netgalley for providing an advance e-copy in exchange for my honest opinion. These opinions are mine and mine alone and influenced by nothing more than my own personal taste and experience with literature.

Three friends meet in the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet as teens. Delphine, the narrator of the story, Lindsay and Margaux. The story bounces between then and now.

Fourteen years ago, Delphine gave up her soloist spot at the POB to go to St. Petersburg. She also held a secret that could undo all of their lives. Now, Delphine is back in Paris. 36 years old and now a choreographer, hoping to work at the Palais Garnier Opera House, choreographing a ballet that will not only cement her career but also make amends to her friends. But Paris has changed. Her friends have changed. And her secret may not be a secret after all.

This was an excellent look at the life of a ballerina. The sacrifices, the injuries, the all-consuming passion for the dance. How much of your life you lose when you wake up one morning too old to be prima and yet it’s all you know. The complex relationships of the dancers. Are they friends or competitors?

This book lays bare the ugly side of ballet and dance. The fierce drive to be perfect, the loved ones lost along the way, casualties of a single-minded passion.

Really good book with a twist!

NetGalley/December 7th, 2021 by St. Martin’s Press

This was very diverting -- good for readers who enjoyed BLACK SWAN, or books about sacrificing for art, or the way friendships evolve (and perhaps fall apart) as you grow up. I also very much enjoyed the setting-- it was nice to hang out in Paris for a spell!

I really enjoyed this book, and it got better and better as it went. The friendship mixed with competition among the main women, the long suffering romance, the revenge. I thought the main characters were well written, complicated people rather than caricatures. And the ending was very satisfying!