The old ballerina

the long version

"In her third novel, Ellen Cooney tells a story about the creative process, and about how art can and must happen anywhere and everywhere - including in a small mill town, outside of the academy and the confines of the art institutions of the city. The story of Mrs. Kamsky is emblematic of the independent voice and the creative spirit - the little artist that could.". "Grieving the defection of her protegee and recovering from a hip injury, Mrs. Kamsky unexpectedly renews her passion for life and for dance when she teaches a class of teenage boys, including one who's recruited for ballet lessons as punishment for breaking a classmate's leg in anger.". "This novel about the artistic drive to create is alternately narrated by the central character's closest friends, her loving and demanding students, her discontented protegee, and her inquisitive neighbors."--BOOK JACKET.