Siena Cherson Siegel

Clothed in Movement

Author Siena Cherson Siegel and illustrator Mark Siegel combine their talents to tell a coming-of-age novel about the joys and fears of a ballet dancer. Siena’s life has never been predictable, but what she loves is ballet. As a ballerina she can move and live through music, dreaming of becoming a dancer in the New York City Ballet. When she pushes herself too hard after an injury, her choices may lead to the end of her dreams. Siena must find the strength in herself to find out what she really wants in life, and find her love of dancing again.

Mark Siegel’s art is given a dreamlike quality thorough shades of purple lightly water coloring the background and characters. While each inky figure is sketched in a loose cartoon style. Siena’s visions of ballet are drawn in darker shades, hinting at her out of reach dreams. After her injury, the colors turn to a sad shade of blue until the end where she comes to terms with her past and present. Siena Cherson Siegel does not over burden the story with words, but flows with movement as Siena reflects upon her life. Beautifully describing her passion of ballet in each description of the performances Siena watches.

As Siena grows up her dreams change, and when she loses her passion for dancing Siena struggles with her sense of worth. Including insecurities about her weight, so a bit of a warning for a starvation type eating disorder. Siena’s struggles are relatable as she figures out relationships with her family, friends, and boyfriend. Not all of her choices lead to happy outcomes, but she learns to open up to people when she struggles with the pressure of succeeding. In the end forgiving herself, moving on to find a new passions, and a renewed love of dancing.… (mehr)