Clara has been dancing since she was three and knows exactly what she wants: a place at the Australian National Ballet School and a career as a principal dancer.

Elle, who accidentally found herself TikTok famous after a #balletfail went viral, is new to the dance world and thinks ballet needs to grand jeté itself into the twenty-first century.

Ben, Elle's best friend, just wants to be able to dance en pointe and have his pick of both male and female solos.

Clara thinks Elle is a bit much. Elle thinks Clara's uptight. Ben's a bit stuck in the middle.

All three want to win the International Ballet Grand Prix at the Sydney Opera House. But when a scandal involving a famous dancer threatens their futures, the trio must put aside their differences to confront ballet's damaging traditions – and demand it do better.


‘Sensitive, nuanced and bittersweetly hopeful’ —Ange Crawford, author of How to Be Normal

‘The book so many of us needed as young dancers trying to find our place in ballet – and in the world’ —Chloe Angyal, author of Turning Pointe

‘Fun and feisty with a dash of intrigue, this story will dance its way into your heart.’ —Clare Atkins, author of Between Us

‘Ariane Beeston knows ballet – and it shows. Exquisitely written with insight, grace, humour and plenty of heart, this story goes beyond the beauty of ballet, shining a timely spotlight on one our most beloved art forms. It's a compelling, captivating must-read for dance lovers that's sure to spark some much-needed conversation. I couldn't put it down.’ —Chenée Marrapodi, author of One Wrong Turn and Breaking Pointe

'Clear-eyed [and] understanding … Don't Forget to Smile offers a much-needed Australian dance narrative' —Books+Publishing

For ages 12-15+