Melanie Hamrick’s “First Position”: A Ballet Romance Novel Outshining “Black Swan” in Sensuality

Melanie Hamrick, an expert in quick pirouettes, had a minor crisis recently when her 6-year-old son Deveraux almost delved into her steamy new book, “First Position,” while she was in the middle of a signing session.

She was taken aback by her son’s reading ability. The novice author and retired ballerina shares her son with rock legend Mick Jagger. In an attempt to deter her young son’s curiosity, she offered Dr. Seuss’s “The Cat in the Hat” instead.

Her decision was wise. “First Position”, which could easily be termed as the “Fifty Shades of Ballet”, is a romance novel set in the ballet world. Hamrick, who had a 16-year-long career at the American Ballet Theatre before retiring to focus on motherhood, narrates the story of Sylvie, a young dancer aspiring to make her name in a prestigious ballet company.

The narrative is filled with romantic encounters as characters climb their career ladder, but it also provides an insider’s look at the backstage life of ballet — a reality far from the perfect, beautiful spectacle presented on stage.

Hamrick, 36, reveals the behind-the-scenes chaos that contrasts sharply with the stage’s flawless performance. However, she’s left fielding some unexpected questions about the more risqué aspects of her book, such as the mention of ballerinas visiting Parisian sex clubs.

While she personally hasn’t experienced it, she knows others who have, but insists on keeping their identities confidential.

In a candid interview with The Big Big News, Hamrick spoke about her journey from a renowned ballet dancer to a romance novelist. The conversation touched upon her career, her reasons for retiring, the inspiration behind her writing, and how her novel pushes boundaries.

When asked about her shift from dancing to writing, Hamrick highlighted her desire for a work-life balance after becoming a mother, which was difficult to maintain given the demanding schedule of a professional dancer.

Her decision to pen a romance novel came from her love for the genre and her belief that the captivating, sensual world of ballet made an intriguing backdrop. She wanted to write a novel she herself would enjoy reading.

Although the novel ventures into erotic fiction territory, Hamrick doesn’t shy away from that label. She believes in the escapism it offers, drawing comparisons with the sensation “Fifty Shades of Grey” caused.

The influence of “Black Swan” on her writing is undeniable. Despite some critics questioning the authenticity of the film, Hamrick appreciated its portrayal of the ballet world. Just as with her own book, she believes in the power of fiction to embellish and mold reality.

When asked about the novel’s depiction of young dancers being exploited by men in power, Hamrick stated it’s a pervasive issue, not limited to the ballet world. However, she is hopeful as she notices more women taking up leadership roles.

The book has received mixed reactions from her family. Her mother was surprised by its sensual content, while Jagger has been nothing but supportive.

In terms of public reaction, Hamrick is eagerly anticipating feedback, hoping it will pave the way for more books in the future. She takes pride in her ability to push boundaries and shock readers in an age where doing so is quite a feat.

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More about Melanie Hamrick’s First Position

• Melanie Hamrick’s official website
• American Ballet Theatre
• Mick Jagger’s Wikipedia page
• “First Position” book review
• “Black Swan” movie details
• “Fifty Shades of Grey” book details