Ariane Beeston: Don't Forget to Smile
We are delighted to host the launch of Ariane Beeston's YA dance novel, 'Don’t Forget to Smile'.
Clara has been dancing since she was three and knows exactly what she wants – a place at the Australian National Ballet School and a career as a principal dancer. Elle, who accidentally found herself TikTok famous after a #balletfail went viral, is new to the dance world, horrified at how racist, sexist and classist it is, and thinks ballet needs to grand jete itself into the twenty-first century. Ben, Elle's best friend, just wants to be able to dance en pointe and have his pick of both male and female solos.
All three want to win the International Ballet Grand Prix at the Sydney Opera House. But when a scandal involving a famous dancer threatens their futures, the trio must put aside their differences to confront ballet's damaging traditions – and demand it do better.
Clara has been dancing since she was three and knows exactly what she wants – a place at the Australian National Ballet School and a career as a principal dancer. Elle, who accidentally found herself TikTok famous after a #balletfail went viral, is new to the dance world, horrified at how racist, sexist and classist it is, and thinks ballet needs to grand jete itself into the twenty-first century. Ben, Elle's best friend, just wants to be able to dance en pointe and have his pick of both male and female solos.
All three want to win the International Ballet Grand Prix at the Sydney Opera House. But when a scandal involving a famous dancer threatens their futures, the trio must put aside their differences to confront ballet's damaging traditions – and demand it do better.
Friday 3 July 2026 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM (UTC+10)
Location
Readings Emporium
Shop 1, level 1, 287 Lonsdale Road, Melbourne Victoria 3000
Contact Details
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Ariane Beeston: Don't Forget to Smile
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