Mary Sheeran follows her critically praised novel, Who Have the Power, with a passionate blend of fiction and nonfiction that explores the world of ballet, in particular, the ballets of George Balanchine. The year is 1988, and the setting is a gala performance at the New York City Ballet, the late George Balanchine's company. Dancer John Fencer struggles with career and romantic frustrations, as well as the manipulations of a wealthy patron who believes she owns all ballet as well as the people who create it. But a much less prominent member of the audience holds the key to everyone's destiny.