The Calm Center

Tammy Greenwood, an award-winning author, presents a captivating new novel set in the fiercely competitive world of ballet girls and their mothers. Combining the intensity of "Dance Moms" and the drama of "Little Fires Everywhere," "The Still Point" takes readers on a mesmerizing journey as characters compete for a prestigious prize. Known for her ability to capture complex emotions, Greenwood weaves a tale of love, hope, desire, and jealousy within the hyper cutthroat ballet realm.

Ever, Lindsay, and Josie have dedicated years to supporting their daughters, Bea, Olive, and Savvy, through their ballet training. As they endure bloody feet and endless stitching of pointe shoes, the mothers form deep friendships that surpass the typical rivalry. However, their world is turned upside down when Etienne Bernay, a renowned and controversial French choreographer, arrives at their conservatory. Not only will he direct their upcoming production of "The Nutcracker," but he has also brought a film crew to document his search for a talented student who will receive a full scholarship to the esteemed Ballet de Paris Academie.

For the girls, the arrival of Bernay represents a chance to fulfill their lifelong dreams. Bea, in particular, captivates audiences with her mesmerizing and ethereal dancing. For Ever, who is recently widowed and facing financial struggles, this scholarship opportunity may be the only way to keep Bea dancing. Amidst these desires and ambitions, Lindsay worries that Olive is growing tired of the grueling training, while Josie is confident in her daughter Savvy's raw determination.

The selection process, from auditions to casting to rehearsals, becomes a battleground for backstabbing, jealousy, disappointment, and triumph. The cameras capture it all, illuminating the intense competition among the dancers. However, it is behind the scenes where Bernay's presence reveals shocking secrets and lies that bind the three families together. Greenwood sheds light on the sacrifices mothers make for their children, for friendship, and for art.

By delving into the lives of the mothers as much as the aspiring dancers, Greenwood breathes new life into the ballet novel genre. She uncovers fresh layers of drama, ambition, and humanity, providing readers with a nuanced perspective. Drawing on her own firsthand knowledge, Greenwood brings authenticity to her precise writing, allowing readers to be fully immersed in the cutthroat, beautiful, and brutal world of ballet.

"The Still Point" instantly transports readers into the competitive and demanding world of ballet. In this richly-detailed, expertly-plotted tale of friendship, motherhood, passion, and dreams, Greenwood explores the journey of finding and losing oneself, only to be found again. Fans of "Dance Moms" and Megan Abbott's works will be drawn to this literary take on elite ballet training. Greenwood's lyrical prose and well-developed characters offer an eloquent rumination on commitment and the ways in which love shapes our lives, whether through parental hopes, marital bonds, or youthful passions. "The Still Point" is a must-read that captivates and resonates long after the final page is turned.

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