Ava Woodward is a dance major at NYU where she is one of the top performers. She is doing what I would have loved to have done, had I had the talent. So in some respects, Ava is my alter ego.
Since the age of 4, I took ballet lessons, then pointe, then modern jazz and tap. While I considered myself shy growing up, being on stage was such a thrill. The nerves went right out of you once you hit the boards because the stage lights essentially blinded you from seeing the audience.
Taking dance lessons throughout my high school years defined me as a dancer – because I certainly was not an athlete (despite trying softball and basketball). I continued taking a few dance classes in college and even while I worked in NYC as a paralegal prior to attending law school – not because I had visions of becoming a professional dancer like Ava, but because I loved it.
Ava has a passion for dance that came from her mother, who was ballet teacher. Her mother brought Ava to the studio as a toddler while she taught classes, and Ava began her dance journey at age 5. Continually practicing and going to professional performances, Ava aimed for a career in dance, attending the best schools to help her achieve her goal.
She was a brilliant star at NYU and had plans to audition for many of the major dance companies at a showcase sponsored by the school. Of course, you will have to read the book to find out what happens. If you go to the “Books” section of this website, you can read an excerpt.
“Dancing in the Sand” will be released on August 26, 2015.
I admire your ability to dance at all. I’m sure I was born with two left feet. Walking straight is an accomplishment for me. Good luck with DANCING IN THE SAND.
So excited for this book. I love to watch dance, but was never any good myself. My great-grandmother, grandmother, and mother were all dancers. I didn’t inherit the gene.
Kate, you have many other amazing qualities. Hope to see you soon.
Thanks Sandra. You can dance in your chair. 😊
I can polka. Does that count? Other than that I’m a pretty hopeless dancer. Your book sounds awesome and I’m intrigued with Ava already. Good luck with Dancing in the Sand!
My mother taught me how to polka, jitter bug and cha cha when I was young. She was a dance teacher at Arthur Murrays in her 20s. Yes it definitely counts. Thanks for your comment Jana/Judy.
I know I’ve lived through my heroines. They do things I was never able to do. The story sounds great!
Thanks Ilona. As the release date gets closer I get more nervous in sending my “baby” out into the world. 😊
It’s funny how we use pieces of ourselves in our stories. But the truth is, we use those things because we know those things! You story sounds great, and I’m sure it’s going to do very very well!
My heroine will never be a chef! Thanks for stopping by Susabelle