A compliment to my 10 Best Dance movies blog post. Delve deeper with 10 dance books, because its really a thing. Follow your dreams, conquer your past, practice like your life depends on it, and don’t forget to fall in love. They ignite your belief in dreams and pushing hope to its limits. Readers devour this genre because we’re all secretly dancers at heart.

This article focus on the best dance books that you need to be reading if you haven’t already. Inspiring tales of overcoming unfairness and getting out of your own way. Stories that have you throwing on your heels and/or ballet flats.

10. Dance Demons

[one_half]  [/one_half]Author: Juliet M. Sampson

Pages: Paperback, 274 pages

ISBN: 9781925367263

Where to buy it right now: Amazon | Nook

What do readers say:

• “I found Dance Demons fascinating from the very first page. It had thrills, suspense, mystery and dancing and hot boys. I wanted to know more about the dark side of Anton and his dance school. I loved the ending the most. Will Stephanie make it out alive? You will have to read it to find out.” – Laura Hunter, Amazon Customer. [Review from Amazon]
• “It engages with some very complex and difficult issues, such as criminality, drug usage, death, murder and sexuality.” – Clive Dickinson, Goodreads user. [Review from Goodreads]

9. Dancing On My Grave

[one_half] [/one_half]Author:  Gelsey Kirkland, Greg Lawrence

Pages: Paperback, 363

ISBN: 051509465X (ISBN13: 9780515094657)

Where to buy it right now: Amazon | Kobo 

What do readers say:

• “One of the greatest bad ass ballerinas of all time, Gelsey Kirkland’s book is a wild testament to self-mutilation in pursuit of “ballet feet” – a sort of binding for art’s sake -to “ballet body” aka anorexia and cocaine snuffling and other forms of rollercoaster recreation.” – Andy, Goodreads user. [Review from Goodreads]
• “Gelsey Kirkland manages to take you first hand into the secret and most hidden world of the Ballet. I find her extremely open and her descriptions are raw and realistic with no apologies for the reality that is being a prima ballerina and belonging to the prestigious American Ballet. . .” – Camillle R, Amazon user. [Review From Amazon]

8. The Cranes Dance

[one_half] [/one_half]Author: Meg Howry

Pages: EBook, 368

ISBN: 0307949834 (ISBN13: 9780307949837)

Where to buy it right now: Amazon | Nook | Kobo 

What do readers say:

• “A very human novel, both witty and sad, about the intensity of being devoted to an art, and the insidious devastation wrought by mental illness. “ – Blair, Goodreads user. [Review From Goodreads]
• “. . . I really enjoyed this book because it was more than just a story about a ballet company–it is a story about relationships, a story about battling your demons and coming to terms with your own strengths and weaknesses, and a story about how you can find yourself simultaneously needing and resenting the same person. Kate’s voice is at times humorous, sarcastic, needy, sad, hopeful, and passionate, and Howrey juggles all of those emotions quite well. Kate and Gwen’s relationship is a very complex one, and Howrey straddles a fine line between who did the hurting and who wound up hurt.” – Larry Hoffer, Amazon customer. [Review From Amazon]
  

7. Break On Through

Pages: Paperback, 304

ISBN: 0385664907 (ISBN13: 9780385664905)

Where to buy it now: Amazon

What do readers say:

• “First time novelist Jill Murray has made an impressive debut with this highly original urban novel, written as a tribute to the art of breakdancing, and particularly to the girls who fight to make their way in a boy-dominated sport.” – Rachel Steen, Canadian Children’s Book Centre. [Review From Goodreads]
• “Well-written, entertaining, funny, inspiring, and not your typical YA plot line. Empowering for young girls, and a great read, for adults as well as teens!” – Natalie, Amazon customer. [Review from Amazon]

6. The Art of Falling

[one_half] 
[/one_half]Author:  Kathryn Craft

Pages: Paperback, 361 pages

ISBN: 1402285191 (ISBN13: 9781402285196)

Where to buy it now: Amazon | Nook | Kobo

What do readers say:

• “If you enjoy and/or appreciate movement (e.g., dance, sports)…If you have experienced injury/illness and have struggled to recover…If you have struggled to redefine yourself or answer the question, “Who am I?’ Then, read this book. Let your mind appreciate the movement of the story.” – Amber D. Philips, Amazon customer. [Review from Amazon]
• “Poignant and powerful, this emotional story of friendship, healing and new beginnings is thought-provoking and compelling.” – Kathy, Goodreads user. [Review From Goodreads]

5. A Time to Dance

[one_half]  [/one_half]Author: Padma Venkatraman

Pages: Hardcover, 320 pages

ISBN: 0399257101 (ISBN13: 9780399257100)

Where to buy it now: Amazon | Nook | Kobo

What do readers say:

• “This book was amazing, it gave a great understanding of the culture and had some really meaningful stories about Veda’s life. It was a wonderful story of love and loss and I enjoyed every part! Wonderful book!!!” – Emily, Amazon customer. [Review From Amazon]
• “This is only the 2nd verse novel I’ve ever read, and what a good one! Not only did it introduce me to the art of Bharatanatyam dance, but I loved the very real struggles Veda has as dancer, artist, amputee, daughter, and friend. I especially love the way this book explored dance as a spiritual (as well as artistic) form.” – Krispy, Goodreads user. [Review from Goodreads]

4. The Muse: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

[one_half]  [/one_half]Author: Jessica Evans

Pages: Kindle Edition, 298 pages

ASIN: B00QTXU5S4

Where to see it right now: Amazon

What do readers say:

• “Ms Evans wrote a wonderful story that captivated me and had smiling with the banter or yelling at the characters for being such fools!! I loved how the characters were well written and developed, to see their growth as the book went on showing passage of time was flawless. I enjoyed the secondary characters new and old. . .Overall, I really enjoyed The Muse and look forward to any new books from Ms Evans in the future. I would recommend this to any P&P enthusiast, though you don’t have to have read P&P to enjoy it.” – Ericka Hoemke, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
• “There is a lot to love in this modern tale. I enjoy dance romances and this did not disappoint. The angst and chemistry between Darcy and Elizabeth is great. Even if you don’t know anything about the ballet moves you still feel the tension and the angst oozing off the pages.” – Sara, Goodreads user. [Review From Goodreads]

3. Tiny Pretty Things (Tiny Pretty Things #1)

[one_half] [/one_half]Author: Sona Charaipotra, Dhonielle Clayton

Pages: Kindle Edition, 448 pages

ASIN: B00N81BB8I

Where to buy it now: Amazon | Nook | Kobo

What do readers say:

• “With multiple POVs, Tiny Pretty Things makes us see ballet in a whole different way. With girls having such high hopes for a lead position, non-stop training, and backstabing at every corner, this is definitely an intense novel that’s filled with drama. “ – Spiced Latte, Amazon customer, [Review From Amazon]
• “BECAUSE DANCING IS FREAKING SCARY AND COMPETITIVE. I was like so sure everyone was going to end up DEAD in this book. omg. Who has shattered nerves? Oh. Oh it’s just me.” – C. G. Drews, Goodreads user. [Review from Goodreads]

2. Dance Of Shadows

[one_half]  [/one_half]Author: Yelena Black

Pages: Hardcover, 369 pages

ISBN: 1599909405 (ISBN13: 9781599909400)

Where to buy it now: Amazon | Kobo 

What do readers say:

• “DANCE OF SHADOWS is a fast-paced, exciting and addictive read. With an easy flow, an intriguing mystery and a dark undertone, this story will be tough to put down before its climactic conclusion.” – Fiktshun, Amazon customer. [Review From Amazon]
• “Dance of Shadows is a paranormal YA novel all about dancing to save your life. “ – Helen, Goodreads user. [Review From Goodreads]

1. Enjoy the Dance (Dancing #2)

[one_half]  [/one_half]Author: Heidi Cullinan

Pages: Kindle Edition, 224 pages

ASIN: B01KVVFRM8

Where to buy it now:  Amazon | Nook | Kobo

What do readers say:

• “This book makes me want to dance. I love the way Heidi Cullinan expresses emotions through actions. Each character is drawn clearly, with a defined part in the plot.” – Carole Lake, Amazon Customer. [Review From Amazon]
• “Well, it was beautiful, sweet, tender, touching, at times unabashedly sappy, and totally made me all choked up and teary eyed.” – Ami, Goodreads user. [Review From Goodreads]

Honorable Mention:

Pages: EBook, 236 pages

Where to buy it now: From Author