A review by veeteegee
Dances by Nicole Cuffy

emotional slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

It took me a bit to feel invested in this book, but once I did, I finished it quite quickly. Cece is a professional performer who has been dancing since she was a child and whose every thought is on display in this novel. While the many, many dance terms were mainly lost on me, I was still fascinated by this inside look into her life as a dancer. It was also interesting to slowly understand where her deep commitment to this art form originated and how it developed into so much more over time.
Unsurprisingly, the parts of the book that I found the most compelling were the ones that were separate from the dance world: her dynamic with her family, her friendships, her romantic relationship and its eventual demise, her feelings on fame and being seen as a role model. All of these things were part of her dance story as well, but felt like the places where the story really evolved. 

Even with that said,
Nicole Cuffy’s prose on the more technical aspects of ballet did make me wish I knew more about it. It’s clear the author loves this art form and it comes through in the main character’s thoughts and how she presents it. This was an enjoyable debut novel to page through and I would read more from Nicole Cuffy if given the chance in the future.
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