THE OTHER SIDE OF PERFECT

Narrator Allison Hiroto establishes a steady yet passionate voice for Alina, a high school junior and ballerina who abandons her dream of becoming a professional dancer after suffering a broken leg. Now she must learn to navigate feelings of jealousy as she watches the other ballerinas perform without her. This pause gives her the opportunity to reflect on discrimination in the profession and hurtful stereotypes that sometimes appear in traditional ballets. Hiroto captures Alina's tumultuous emotions as she works through these challenges and becomes an advocate for herself and others. Listeners will be intrigued by Alina's story as she works to find happiness and purpose following her injury. M.D. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2021]