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Gelsey Kirkland

Dancing on My Grave

"Dancing on My Grave" is a powerful and gripping memoir by Gelsey Kirkland, a former principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre. In the book, Kirkland provides an unflinching and raw account of her rise to ballet stardom, and the subsequent physical and emotional toll it took on her. Kirkland's writing is evocative and vivid, transporting readers into the world of professional ballet and the intense pressure and scrutiny that comes with it. She describes in detail the grueling rehearsals, the relentless pursuit of perfection, and the constant battle against injury and exhaustion. But Kirkland also delves deep into her own personal struggles, including her addiction to drugs and her tumultuous relationships with men. What sets "Dancing on My Grave" apart is Kirkland's unvarnished honesty. She doesn't shy away from discussing her own flaws and mistakes, and she holds nothing back when it comes to the darker side of the ballet world. At times, the book is difficult to read, as Kirkland recounts episodes of self-harm, depression, and emotional abuse. But it is also a story of resilience and redemption, as Kirkland eventually finds the strength to confront her demons and reclaim her life. "Dancing on My Grave" is a must-read for anyone interested in the world of ballet, or in the human capacity for resilience and perseverance. It is a testament to the power of art, and the toll it can take on those who pursue it with unrelenting passion. But above all, it is a powerful and moving story of one woman's journey to find herself, both on and off the stage...