THE AMISH BALLERINA BY 

RICHELLE BRUNSTETTER & WANDA E. BRUNSTETTER 

Eighteen-year-old Arie Kauffman loves to twirl and leap around the barn in her Amish bonnet and dress, practicing ballet moves her English friend taught her. Her parents would be upset to learn that this longtime interest has progressed to her secretly attending ballet classes. Arie even hides her dance skills from her boyfriend, Edwin Chupp, who often invites her to try new things, knowing she has an artistic heart. Her secrecy, however, is causing damage she may not be able to repair. When offered new opportunities to dance, will Arie break from Amish tradition or hold true to the bonds of her faith and family?

MY REVIEW

I was very excited to read this book because it was a different subject that I have not seen about the Amish before. They live a quiet life but I have often wondered if some of them have hidden dreams they don’t share. This story is very emotional as we watch a young woman’s dream hinder her happiness and hide secrets from those close to her.  

Arie is a young woman who works hard but has kept a secret from many. She loves ballet and desires to be a ballerina someday. The Amish frown on this because they consider it worldly. Arie wants to obey her parents but her worldly friend keeps her dream alive when she spends time teaching her different moves. Arie is graceful and can feel her feet lift off the ground with ease as she spins. I like how Arie so wants to tell her mother how much she wants to dance but knows she will reject her dream.  

There are several other characters that are important to the story such as Arie’s boyfriend. Edwin wants to spend more time with Arie and perhaps bring up the idea of marriage. I think  he suspected she was hiding something  though. I could easily visualize when he found her in the barn dancing with such grace. He was shocked but the way he handled it was so sweet that it made Arie realize she can share anything with  him. Perhaps this will be the moment their relationship starts to grow. Trust  is such an important part of any relationship and the authors illustrate this very well.  

As the ending came to this beautiful story readers find that secrets are not always good to keep. Misunderstandings can lead to mistrust and strained relationships that  are hard to repair when bitterness takes over. I like the unexpected announcement of a blessing for one  family but I did chuckle at it. As a mother who had two teenagers then became  pregnant again late in life, I understood very well how this family felt. Are you wondering if Arie pursues her dream? To find out grab a copy of this book.

“Masking your passions compromises your honesty.” 

I received a copy of this book from the authors and publisher. The review is my own opinion.