Kyoko Ariyoshi

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 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?… (más)

I NEED volume 9 NOW!! This part was wonderful like all the rest! I LOVE this series!

Everyone has confidence in Masumi. Now she only has to believe in herself!

Masumi dazzled through her debut performance, winning over the hearts of critics and fans alike, along with capturing a spot to compete in the Tokyo World Ballet Competition. Top dancers from all over the world have traveled to compete, including the Russian prodigies. Masumi will have to put her shaky confidence to the test and hope that all her training and hard work pays off.… (más)

I really felt sorry for Kyogoku-san, when a ballerina can't dance after an injury it feels like dying.

Can a bird with broken wings learn to fly?

Hijiri Masumi, the aspiring ballerina and heroine, is in Moscow to witness her school's performance when tragedy strikes and one of the leading ballerinas of the school suffers a devastating injury. Now, the future of Japanese ballet rests on an injured dancer... Unless Masumi can take her place. Neither option is ideal, but time is running out...… (más)

I loved that the author/artist showed us the whole dance of Swan Lake.

Masumi must challenge her Russian rival, in a contest for the lead role; but who will win?

When the legendary Dame Margaret Fonteyn encourages Masumi to be herself and express her inner strength through dancing, Masumi gains the hope and confidence she needs to rise to her next challenge.

In Russia, Masumi will audition for the lead role in a special performance, but she will be competing against Russia's own prodigy, Larissa Maximova. Will Masumi use Margaret Fonteyn's advice, or be defeated by Larissa's perfect skills?… (más)