In 2015 Nicole Cuffy decided to write the book she wanted to read—the story of the first Black principal dancer of New York City Ballet. And she did it!

Dances follows prima ballerina Cece Cordell as she takes her place on the stage and in history as the first Black principal dancer of the iconic (and very white) NYCB. I loved Nicole’s insider take on the ballet world which avoided all the tropes and brought a new narrative to the page. and I can’t wait to talk about her book with her for SFPL’s book club On the Sam Page.

Check out the interview here!