TESSA TALKS BOOKS

What’s it about (in a nutshell):

First Position by debut author Melanie Hamrick is the emotional tale of a ballerina derailed by scandal and trying to find the inner strength to rise again.

My Reading Experience:

Based on a few early reviews I skimmed before I started reading, I expected a much different book. I am so grateful that I didn’t let those reviews influence my decision on whether or not to read this book.

First Position is a largely authentic portrayal of the world of ballet and the life of a dancer. It is often long hours, bleeding feet, minimal food, and a world dominated by suffering for their art. How much beauty this kind of environment creates is a testament to a dancer’s commitment to the show and to dance. And this is precisely what you find in First Position.

I loved Sylvie’s tale and her journey to redemption. She struggles to find her place in a world she has trained her whole life to be in. It is an emotional journey primarily marked by the lowest of low periods – full of self-pity, self-loathing, and an overall lack of confidence due to a genuinely tragic situation that she was too young to navigate.

I also loved the theme of friendship and how redemption can be found in your love for others. I could see that in her relationship with Jocelyn and Alessandro. By building them up, she inevitably finds the courage to be the dancer she was always supposed to be. There are often more rivalries than friendships in art as competitive as ballet, so when you find these true friends – it’s essential to hold on to them and treat them like the unique jewel they are.

Characters:

Sylvie is the quintessential ballet dancer – blond, long of limbs and neck, with a honed technique admired by all. Unfortunately, a scandal brings her down when she is just starting to reach the top. Now, five years older and a lifetime wiser, she faces a seemingly unclimbable mountain of challenges toward being who she wants to be. Her ability to self-sabotage is so sad and tragic that it often seems there is no hope for her.

Jocelyn joins the North American Ballet Company at the same time as Sylvie. She is a much different dancer, though – not blond or classically trained from when she could walk. Jocelyn’s talent shows through her ability to emote rather than her unfailing technique. Sometimes rivals with Sylvie, and sometimes friends; she is always present in Sylvie’s life.

Narration & Pacing:

Sylvie and Jocelyn have their own chapters where they tell their story to the reader on their own terms. Both describe their perceptions of their past and present – starting with when they first entered the NAB. It is never confusing and instead highlights the tragedy of what Sylvie went through. The pacing is consistently a medium pace that only slowed down on a few brief occasions, making this book a pleasant read in terms of pace.

Setting:

As a story about professional ballerinas, there is no one setting. Instead, the characters and readers with them find themselves in some of the most beautiful cities in the world. I loved this world tour and how it makes ballet seem that much more exotic.

Read if you are in the mood for:

• Discovering the gritty truth of what it means to be a professional ballerina.
• A challenging story that is reflective, dark, and emotional
• Strong morally gray characters that dominate a character-driven story

Overall Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐