Best Dancer Biographies Books of 2025

The memoir "Chita: A Memoir" by Chita Rivera, a three-time Tony Award winner, Kennedy Centers honoree, and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, takes readers behind the curtain of her extraordinary show business career. Rivera shares deeply moving details about her upbringing and heritage, and how they shaped her work and career. She also reveals the highs and lows of her career, the creative processes, the ego clashes, and the exhilaration when it all went right. This colorful and entertaining memoir is as vital and captivating as Chita herself, and is an inspiring personal story of a performer who blazed her own trail.

Am I Being Too Subtle?: Straight Talk From a Business Rebel is a book that reveals the life of Sam Zell, one of the most successful and surprising entrepreneurs in American business. Zell's unique personality and strategies are explored, from his early days selling Playboy magazines to his success in real estate and investments in unglamorous industries. The book showcases his independent thinking and how he trusts his own instincts. While some may view Zell as controversial, there is no denying his success. This book is a fascinating read for anyone interested in business or entrepreneurship.

XOXO, Cody is a motivational self-help book that chronicles Cody Rigsby's journey from a small town in North Carolina to becoming a Peloton superstar. In this empowering story, Cody shares his secrets to success, including not taking oneself too seriously and not letting the fear of being judged hold us back. He opens up about his struggles growing up gay and poor in the South, losing his father and best friend to addiction, and his rise to fame. With raw and inspiring stories, XOXO, Cody is a bold and heartfelt reminder that sometimes laughing at yourself is the best medicine.

Mr. B: George Balanchine's 20th Century is a fascinating biography about the life of arguably the greatest choreographer of the 20th century. Based on a decade of research and over 100 interviews, author Jennifer Homans provides a detailed portrait of Balanchine's life and his contributions to the art of ballet. The book delves into Balanchine's personal struggles, including his bouts with ill health and numerous failed marriages. Homans also explores the historical events that shaped Balanchine's life and work, making this book a must-read for those interested in dance history and the cultural influences of the 20th century.

Third Girl from the Left is an emotional memoir about Christine, a middle child in a military family, who dreams of being a dancer. She heads to New York City and is cast in the London production of A Chorus Line. Christine finds a new family in the theater world and discovers that her older brother is also in New York, building a life with a rising fashion star. As the AIDS crisis hits, Christine realizes she's in the middle of an epidemic that the public is not ready to reckon with. This memoir is a heart-wrenching examination of what it takes to succeed in the competitive world of New York theater, the toll of AIDS on a generation of artists, and the importance of redefining family.

Don't Think, Dear: On Loving and Leaving Ballet is a compelling memoir by Alice Robb that explores ballet's role in the modern world through the author's experience as a student at the School of American Ballet. Robb's nuanced and passionate research offers insight into the hyper-competitive world of ballet and the lessons learned in the mirror-lined studios of Lincoln Center that have served her well in the wider world. The book also delves into the fates of her former classmates, offering stories of heartbreak, resilience, reinvention, and regret. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the world of classical dancing and the psyche of a dancer.

Sargent: The Masterworks is a stunning new book that showcases 100 of John Singer Sargent's most beloved paintings. The book covers all aspects of his diverse oeuvre, from portraits to landscapes, in both oil and watercolor. Author Stephanie L. Herdrich provides a comprehensive overview of Sargent's career, from his childhood in Paris to his later years painting outdoors. The book's richly illustrated three chapters are accompanied by an illustrated chronology that contains fascinating details about the artist's life. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone who appreciates the work of one of the greatest portraitists and watercolorists of all time.

Me: Elton John Official Autobiography is a revealing and honest account of the legendary musician's extraordinary life. From his humble beginnings as a shy boy with dreams of becoming a pop star to his rollercoaster lifestyle as a chart-topping superstar, Elton John's story is full of drama. The book also sheds light on his struggles with drug addiction, his journey to sobriety, and his loving relationship with David Furnish. The autobiography is a must-read for any fan of Elton John's music and anyone interested in the personal life of a living legend.

Selma Blair’s Mean Baby is a captivating memoir that tells the story of her life, from her childhood as a mean, furry-headed baby to her struggles with addiction and her eventual diagnosis with multiple sclerosis. Blair lays bare her experiences with brutal violence, passionate love, true friendship, and motherhood. Her voice is fiercely intelligent, powerfully original, and full of hard-won wisdom. The book is a true literary achievement that is emotionally shattering and wildly funny. Mean Baby is a unique memoir that offers readers an intimate look into the life of a celebrated Hollywood actress and model.

Mozart in the Jungle by Blair Tindall is a candid and eye-opening memoir that explores the gritty reality of the classical music world. Tindall, an oboist, shares her personal experiences along with those of her colleagues who struggle to survive in the cutthroat New York music scene. From playing gigs under the influence to trading sexual favors for better job opportunities, Tindall reveals the harsh truth behind the glamorous facade of classical music. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in music history and criticism.