Born to Dance

Author: Jean Ure Publisher: HarperCollins Children’s Books ISBN: 9780008164522

I HAVE to admit, for a children’s book, Born to Dance had me totally mesmerised, and kept me turning the pages.

It’s a sweet story about friendship and sacrifices, and author Ure keeps things light and interesting while giving a life lesson to ponder upon.

Maddy is from a family of ballet dancers. Her father is a famous choreographer, and her mother a lead dancer who has since opened her own ballet school. Her brother is a star, and even her sister, who is married and heavily pregnant, was a dancer of significance in her heyday.

Maddy herself is on her way to the top but for now, she has to practise and get through school. So it is not surprising that she recognises talent when she sees it.

Caitlyn is an extremely shy new girl, but the way she carries herself is a dead giveaway and Maddy can’t be happier to have a kindred spirit.

However, Caitlyn denies that she is a dancer, but when Maddy discovers her secretly practising ballet, she realises there is more to Caitlyn’s story than meets the eye.

When she finally finds out the truth, Maddy is determined to step in before the ballet world loses a potential star.

All very predictable fare and yet, highly entertaining. This is simplicity at its best. – K.K. Wong