Behind the Red Velvet Curtain

February 1, 2025
In 2012, Joy Womack became the first American ballerina to secure a soloist's contract at Russia's storied Bolshoi Ballet Theater. This vivid and engaging memoir, written with journalist Shockman, traces her journey from a childhood in California and Texas to the nomadic life of a dancer abroad. That red velvet curtain not only hides the blood, sweat, and tears of a dancer's life backstage, but also the corrupt ecosystem of Russian ballet. An integral part of Russian culture, ballet has enjoyed government support from both czars and dictators, but that comes with a price: intrigue, politics, and brutal competition. The physical and psychological costs of staying at the Bolshoi prove enormous, and after years of study and few promotions, Womack faced a tough decision: should she go along with the system or leave? She lands bigger roles at a number of regional Russian companies, but when Russia invades Ukraine, she realizes that life there is no longer safe. Womack now resides in France and works at the Paris Opera. Her story is one of passion, perseverance, and determination.

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March 1, 2025

Russia is often considered the epicenter of classical ballet. It is little wonder, therefore, that a young dancer dreaming of ballet purity would seek the source of the art. Womack's memoir tells how, as an American teenager, she gained entry and rose to the rank of a bona fide Russian ballerina and how personal struggles and political realities impacted her career trajectory. As promised by the title, Womack's memoir takes readers inside the world of Russian ballet to glimpse how these elite dancers are trained and assimilated into preeminent companies such as the Bolshoi. The expected descriptions of harsh conditions, demanding teachers, and corruption are plentiful, though tempered by examples of kindness and support from those who nurtured Womack through her journey. She also writes candidly about her battle with an eating disorder and mentions past sexual abuse. Ballet practitioners will be tantalized by allusions to the training techniques and performance coaching she experienced, though Womack does not reveal those mysteries thoroughly enough to utilize. VERDICT This peek inside what it takes to become a Russian ballet dancer will inspire appreciation for Womack's dogged determination to achieve her dream.--Shannon Titas

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