Marie's Nutcracker

Margaret Marie Klenzing’s debut is a heartwarming and compelling exploration of a young dancer’s journey through the world of ballet. You’ll discover the magic of ballet and the power of friendship in Marie’s Nutcracker, fully illustrated with nineteen original drawings by Rori Alexander. This captivating story follows seventeen-year-old Marie, a talented dancer, as she embarks on a journey to become a professional ballerina. Witness her struggle with insecurities, rivalries, and her feelings for handsome Peter, a professional dancer from New York. Marie’s world transforms when a Hollywood film crew arrives to shoot The Nutcracker at her local mall. Excited to be part of the magic, Marie bonds with pop star Whitney, and together they discover that love for art can overcome competition and self-doubt.

There is so much in Marie’s Nutcracker that enthralled me, starting with the elaborately drawn settings, from Marie’s dance studio located in a suburban mall in the Northeast United States to the feel of the Christmas season. The studio’s environment, with its mirrors, ballet barres, and lively rehearsals, offers an authentic atmosphere of dedication and artistry. The larger world of professional ballet and film production is vividly portrayed through scenes at the filming locations, including a decorated mall transformed into a magic land for The Nutcracker. Characters include a diverse cast of dancers, from young students to seasoned professionals, as well as family members and industry figures like Peter, a talented dancer, and Whitney, a pop star overwhelmed by fame. Themes of perseverance, artistic passion, diversity, and the search for authenticity are cleverly explored in this fast-paced, emotionally charged story. Perfect for fans of The Last Dance and Dumplin’, this glorious tale celebrates passion, friendship, and the dreams that keep us dancing. You’ll love the sparkle of the prose, the realism infused in human connections, and the complex characters.