Ballet

For Maisie, ballet is symbolic of identity. Because Maisie has been dancing since she was a child, she has come to understand herself according to this art form. Her friends and future, therefore, revolve around dance. This is why Maisie feels as if she no longer knows herself when she has to take time off from ballet because of her injury.

Dance Studio

Maisie's dance studio is symbolic of safety. At the start of the novel, Maisie answers the writing prompt in school by describing her relationship to her studio. She sees the space as a safe haven and sanctuary. It is a place where all of her worries and fears fade away, and where she can truly be herself. This is why she feels lost, confused, and upset after she tears her ACL injury and is forced to take time off from dance.

Knee Injury