Raising the Barre

Big Dreams, False Starts, and My Midlife Quest to Dance the Nutcracker

By: Lauren Kessler

Narrated by: Hollis McCarthy

When Lauren Kessler was 12, her ballet instructor crushed not just her dreams of being a ballerina but also her youthful self-assurance. Now, many decades and three children later, Kessler embarks on a journey to join a professional company to perform in The Nutcracker.

Raising the Barre is more than just one woman's story; it is a story about shaking things up, taking risks, and ignoring good sense and forgetting how old you are and how you're "supposed" to act. It's about testing limits and raising the bar(re) on your own life.

©2015 Lauren Kessler (P)2015 Tantor

Less navel gazing, more plot

Almost a textbook example of why “show don’t tell” is a mantra. On chapter five and she still hasn’t entered a studio—just endless self-indulgent drivel about being middle aged. I hope it gets better.

very inspirational

It was so inspirational and full of tidbits of ballet history. just a joy to hear.

Become a ballerina through the author

I enjoyed this immersive journey of dance, having restarted dance in adulthood myself. The story was comprehensive, informative, and full of new insights to the world of ballet. My only qualm is that the author interrupts herself a lot, which can be distracting. Overall, a good read though.

Great read for adults that dance!

Very heartwarming! Inspired my own adult ballet journey and Nutcracker dreams that became reality! If you are and adult that loves ballet and wants to find the courage to dance, this will give you wings!

I love it!!

This is really amazing. I love anything ballet! Its so much fun! I love this book!:)