When you have spent your entire life working toward something, how do you figure out what comes next? How do you know who you are, without the thing that has always defined you? This is Siena’s moving and beautifully drawn memoir of her teenage years as a dancer struggling to find her next step—and as a young woman finding her true footing in the world.

...Evocative, purple-toned illustrations bring to life both the dynamism of ballet and the fearful images lurking within Siena’s head. ... An understated and utterly believable account of a personal and creative journey. —KIRKUS REVIEWS

Ballet lovers and aspiring and established dancers will particularly appreciate this deep dive into the ballet world, and revel in the faithful renderings of dancers—including some legendary figures—at work, at ease, and performing. —PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

Filled with hope and with resilience, Siena shares her story in a way that will encourage others in similar situations to keep on persevering. A well-drawn and well-executed graphic novel perfect for readers who read the first title, have an interest in dance, or want to see someone overcome life's obstacles.—School Library Connection

"Beautiful descriptions of different dancers and performances offer an inside look at the nuances of ballet and work in tandem with the striking black lined and purple shaded illustrations that capture the movement of the dancers. . . A notable addition to graphic novel collections . . ." —School Library Journal

Siena Cherson Siegel is the author of To Dance, the award-winning graphic memoir about her life as a young dancer. She trained at the School of American Ballet and danced children’s parts with the New York City Ballet. Later she joined the education team at American Ballet Theatre and contributed to developing their training programs, including the Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis School and the Summer Intensive Programs. She loves to teach and research creative movement. Her most recent book is Tiny Dancer, a graphic memoir for young adults, also with art by her husband Mark. She lives in New York with her family. 

MEDIA/INTERVIEWS

Delightful Siena interview with Avery Kaplan at The Comics Beat here!

And a Q&A with Siena and Mark at Smash Pages!

Mark and Siena in happy conversation with Calvin Reid on the MORE TO COME podcast—check it out!