Don't Forget to Smile
Author: Beeston, Ariane
ISBN: 9781760645670
Publisher: Black Inc
Year first published: 30 Jun 2026
Pages: 304
Format: Paperback / softback
You don't stop. You never stop. Not if you want to be the best.
Clara has been dancing since she was three and knows exactly what she wants: a place at the Australian National Ballet School and a career as a principal dancer.
Elle, who accidentally found herself TikTok famous after a #balletfail went viral, is new to the dance world and thinks ballet needs to grand jete itself into the twenty-first century.
Ben, Elle's best friend, just wants to be able to dance en pointe and have his pick of both male and female solos.
Clara thinks Elle is a bit much. Elle thinks Clara's uptight. Ben's a bit stuck in the middle.
All three want to win the International Ballet Grand Prix at the Sydney Opera House. But when a scandal involving a famous dancer threatens their futures, the trio must put aside their differences to confront ballet's damaging traditions - and demand it do better.
'Sensitive, nuanced and bittersweetly hopeful' -Ange Crawford, author of How to Be Normal
'The book so many of us needed as young dancers trying to find our place in ballet - and in the world' -Chloe Angyal, author of Turning Pointe
'Fun and feisty with a dash of intrigue, this story will dance its way into your heart.' -Clare Atkins, author of Between Us
'Ariane Beeston knows ballet - and it shows. Exquisitely written with insight, grace, humour and plenty of heart, this story goes beyond the beauty of ballet, shining a timely spotlight on one our most beloved art forms. It's a compelling, captivating must-read for dance lovers that's sure to spark some much-needed conversation. I couldn't put it down.' -Chenee Marrapodi, author of One Wrong Turn and Breaking Pointe
'Clear-eyed and understanding ... Don't Forget to Smile offers a much-needed Australian dance narrative' -Books+Publishing
For ages 12-15+
ISBN: 9781760645670
Publisher: Black Inc
Year first published: 30 Jun 2026
Pages: 304
Format: Paperback / softback
You don't stop. You never stop. Not if you want to be the best.
Clara has been dancing since she was three and knows exactly what she wants: a place at the Australian National Ballet School and a career as a principal dancer.
Elle, who accidentally found herself TikTok famous after a #balletfail went viral, is new to the dance world and thinks ballet needs to grand jete itself into the twenty-first century.
Ben, Elle's best friend, just wants to be able to dance en pointe and have his pick of both male and female solos.
Clara thinks Elle is a bit much. Elle thinks Clara's uptight. Ben's a bit stuck in the middle.
All three want to win the International Ballet Grand Prix at the Sydney Opera House. But when a scandal involving a famous dancer threatens their futures, the trio must put aside their differences to confront ballet's damaging traditions - and demand it do better.
'Sensitive, nuanced and bittersweetly hopeful' -Ange Crawford, author of How to Be Normal
'The book so many of us needed as young dancers trying to find our place in ballet - and in the world' -Chloe Angyal, author of Turning Pointe
'Fun and feisty with a dash of intrigue, this story will dance its way into your heart.' -Clare Atkins, author of Between Us
'Ariane Beeston knows ballet - and it shows. Exquisitely written with insight, grace, humour and plenty of heart, this story goes beyond the beauty of ballet, shining a timely spotlight on one our most beloved art forms. It's a compelling, captivating must-read for dance lovers that's sure to spark some much-needed conversation. I couldn't put it down.' -Chenee Marrapodi, author of One Wrong Turn and Breaking Pointe
'Clear-eyed and understanding ... Don't Forget to Smile offers a much-needed Australian dance narrative' -Books+Publishing
For ages 12-15+
