Dancing Through It

Dancing Through It is a memoir by Jenifer Ringer, a former principal dancer with the New York City Ballet. The book chronicles her path from childhood ballet student to professional dancer at one of the world's premier companies. Throughout her career, Ringer faced challenges with body image, eating disorders, and the intense pressures of the ballet world. Her account provides an inside view of life as a professional dancer, from daily classes and rehearsals to performances on stage at Lincoln Center. Ringer details her experiences with notable choreographers and artistic directors, while also sharing her personal journey of faith and self-discovery. The narrative spans her departure from and return to ballet, including her later roles as a mentor to younger dancers. The memoir examines themes of resilience, identity, and finding balance between artistic excellence and personal wellbeing. Through her story, Ringer illustrates the complex relationship between dancers and their art form, revealing both its demands and its rewards.

Readers appreciate Ringer's honesty about body image struggles and her journey through eating disorders while maintaining a professional ballet career. Many note her balanced perspective on the dance world - acknowledging both its beauty and challenges without becoming bitter or sensational. Readers highlight the book's spiritual elements and how Ringer integrates her faith into her dance life. Several reviews mention the clear, engaging writing style and behind-the-scenes glimpses of New York City Ballet. Some readers wanted more details about specific performances and fellow dancers. A few note that the religious aspects feel heavy-handed at times. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (160+ ratings) Sample reader comment: "She writes with grace and humility about difficult topics while giving fascinating insights into the professional dance world. The faith elements feel natural rather than preachy." - Goodreads reviewer "Could have included more about day-to-day life as a principal dancer." - Amazon reviewer

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🩰 Jenifer Ringer danced as a principal ballerina with the New York City Ballet for 24 years before writing this candid memoir about her life in dance. 📰 The book addresses a notorious 2010 incident when a New York Times critic commented on Ringer's weight in a "Nutcracker" review, sparking national debate about body image in ballet. 💪 Throughout her narrative, Ringer openly discusses her struggles with both anorexia and binge eating disorder, providing a raw look at the pressures faced by professional dancers. ✨ Despite retiring from performance, Ringer continues to influence the dance world as the dean of the Colburn Dance Academy in Los Angeles. 🎭 The memoir's title, "Dancing Through It," reflects not just Ringer's physical journey through ballet but also her spiritual path, as her Christian faith played a crucial role in her recovery and career.