Kyoko Ariyoshi

I felt sorry for Sidney and her boyfriend, maybe she is right, maybe the only way to perfection is sacrifice, that love gets in the way of dreams.

I don't get what Masumi's flaw is?! Is it the shape of her legs? But she was created like this!! She can't change her build!

I see that Masumi is so attracted to Kusakabe-san but in my heart I wish she marries Alexei.

Masumi learns strength of the heart can help her overcome any obstacles!

Masumi meets yet another talented rival, Sidney Eglund, who is show more determined to prove herself the better dancer. Their rivalry heats up when they have a chance to compete in front of the legendary prima ballerina Margaret Fonteyn. A victory could give Masumi a chance to win the lead role with the Bolshoi. But first she must defeat the star pupil of the Royal Ballet Academy! show less

Lillian surprised me! Her being the real prodigy and all that! I was upset that Masumi went deaf from fear! I can't believe Aoi-san loves Masumi!! I didn't see that one coming!!!

Hijiri Masumi is pushed to her limit when she competes against Russia's finest young ballerinas!

The chance of a lifetime fell into Masumi's lap after her naturally talented friend, Sayoko, injured her ankle. Facing stiff competition from two of the finest Russian dance prodigies, Masumi must represent her entire show more nation in the competition.

But the tremendous stress and fear cause her to lose her hearing. Without music to inspire her, can Masumi dance the finest performance of her life? show less

Although the late 70's art took a bit to get used to (which I've only see as a parody up until now), Swan gives a strong enough story to make this first volume interesting despite its years.

I think Sergeiev was Masumi's mom first love. I think that is why he cares so much for her. I love when Masumi thinks about Kusakabe-san after eating and while walking while it's snowing: "Love is like the falling snow. It starts when you don't notice it. Falling... Silently... and deeply."

Masumi has won a spot in the company; but can she keep it?

Masumi has survived the rigorous competition and won a place in the National Ballet School. But just as she revolves to work hard and stay focused, show more a handsome foreign student arrives. Will this newcomer support her quest to develop as a dancer, or will romantic entanglements become a distraction? show less