Girl in Motion: A Novel

Miriam Wenger-Landis: I started Girl in Motion about seven years ago. After I retired from Miami City Ballet, it took three years to gain enough distance from my ballet career to look back and process what becoming a dancer was all about and how the ballet world influenced me. Writing the book helped me gain closure on such a big part of my life and move on to a college degree and a career beyond dance. I was also teaching ballet to teenagers, which made me think about what I would have liked to read when I was a student contemplating a professional career. The book went through so many drafts over the years and took forever to see the light of day. Originally it followed Anna Linado through ballet school and into her professional career, but eventually there was too much to include in just one book. I decided to focus on her progression from student to professional, and that became Girl in Motion.

Question: You were a student at the School of American Ballet. Is your book inspired by events from your life?

Miriam Wenger-Landis: The story is rooted in my experience, but the events and people aren't the same. There are always body issues, emotional challenges, and potential romances. I'll admit there is a part of the book that really happened to me, but I can't say any more or it will give away the ending.

Question: Is there a character you identify with the most? Why?

Miriam Wenger-Landis: I identify with Anna because I was also a shorter dancer and faced similar challenges. I suffered from many of the same insecurities. I also relate to Jen's sentiments of failure even when she achieves success. There was definitely a feeling of no matter what you did it would never be good enough. Now that I'm older I can also understand the ballet teachers' perspectives too.

Question: What authors or books have influenced your writing? What dancers influenced your career as a ballerina?

Miriam Wenger-Landis: When I wrote Girl in Motion, I hoped for a voice like Judy Blume (Forever...) meets Curtis Sittenfeld (Prep). They're both writers that can genuinely express what teenagers feel. I wanted to reflect the confusion, insecurity, and excitement that come with being a teenager and Blume and Sittenfeld do it best. I'm a huge fan.

When I was a ballet student my favorite dancers were Gelsey Kirkland and Darci Kistler. Once I joined Miami City Ballet my role models were much more immediate. I was most influenced by the people I danced with every day. One dancer in particular I always admired was Marife Gimenez. She was a beautiful and emotional dancer and always brought an electric kind of energy to her performances.

Question: Have you considered trying your hand at other genres?

Miriam Wenger-Landis: Perhaps someday.