Nicole Cuffy's novel 'Dances' explores the racial politics of ballet | Book of the Day

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June 6, 2023

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In Nicole Cuffy's novel, Dances, CeCe Cordell becomes the first Black woman to be named principal dancer at a major ballet company; but this big break also comes with big expectations. In today's episode, Cuffy speaks with NPR's Juana Summers about how CeCe navigates the world of ballet's preoccupation with white bodies, how it affects her relationship with her mother and brother, and how Misty Copeland's very real accomplishments informed CeCe's story.

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In Nicole Cuffy'sDances CeCe CordellNPR's Juana SummersMisty Copeland'sNPR's BookYouTube SUBSCRIBENPR Music Tiny DeskJazz Night

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