Leap

Gr 8 Up–Two girls studying at a competitive dance school in Bucharest, Romania, navigate crushes, sexuality, and their relationship to dance. Ana, a student in the contemporary dance program, will drop anything to support her girlfriend of three years, classical dancer Carina. Frequently skipping classes to help Carina rehearse, Ana is frustrated that Carina makes her keep their relationship a secret for fear of the potential impact on her career. Ana is also anxious about her increasing burnout and lack of passion for dance, and is worried about what her future will hold if she quits. Sara, Ana’s new roommate and a talented contemporary dancer, is grappling with an intense crush on their teacher, Marlena. Her friendship with Ana helps her explore queer spaces in Bucharest and reflect on her sexuality, and the two support one another when their respective relationships with Marlena and Carina complicate their studies. The artwork is drawn in muted pinks, blues, and grays, with an occasional scene in full color, and the characters have a range of skin tones and body types. Popescu highlights the cutthroat and often toxic environment of the dance school, and thoughtfully explores the tension ­between the characters’ personal needs and their desire to be in relationships.