BRAVE NEW BALLET

A groundbreaking troupe takes center stage in this empowering true story.

In 1970s New York, ballet dancers defied convention by founding an all-male company where performers donned tutus and pointe shoes to dance both traditionally male and female roles. McGrath chronicles the formation of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo with infectious enthusiasm, celebrating these artists who merged technical precision and irreverent comedy. The narrative pulses with determination as dancers endure blisters, skeptical critics, and jeering audiences while perfecting their craft. Mostov’s illustrations, created with pencil, paper, and Procreate, employ arresting compositional choices that amplify the story’s themes of courage and self-expression. Large, dynamic figures diverse in skin tone dominate the pages, as do rich purples and pinks, colors traditionally associated with femininity. With facial hair and hairy legs on full display, these performers celebrate their authentic selves rather than attempt to conceal them—an effective visual metaphor for the company’s revolutionary ethos. Angular shapes create tension during scenes of struggle, while curved, flowing bodies in tutus convey grace and liberation. The backmatter—including a history section, an author’s note about McGrath’s personal connection to the Trocks, and resources for further exploration—enriches the narrative by contextualizing the company within the broader LGBTQ+ rights movement.

This dazzling tribute to artistic bravery deserves applause; readers will leave inspired to leap boldly toward their dreams.