An award-winning author's journey to turn off the comfortable cruise-control of midlife and reclaim the daring of her girlhood by dancing in the world's most popular ballet, The Nutcracker, with a professional company.

Prologue -- The binge -- The cure -- Cracking the nut -- Reality bites -- A good talking to -- The door opens -- The ballerinas -- Prep for the prep -- Let the wild rumpus begin -- Bulls-eye -- Perfection -- In the company -- The ballet book club -- The uncomfort zone -- Going native -- Humble pie -- Rehearsals -- On the road -- Road warriors -- Party on.