Male Ballet Dancers Never Looked So COOL     Jan 02, 2008     reviewed by DamageCtrl    

Aya was in a slump; she wants to be a ballet dancer. She’s got the skill, but she chokes on stage. When she gets a free ticket to watch a ballet troupe perform, she thinks she’s found her answer and wants to join. One problem: It’s an all MALE troupe – and their leader can be a bit of a jerk. Regardless, Aya is determined to be the first female member and will stop at nothing to join.

While at times needlessly dramatic, “Forbidden Dance” is a story on learning more about one’s self and finding the strength within. Aya struggles with pursing her love of dance and overcoming her handicaps. First, she tries to find her strength in the all boys’ ballet group and Akira, but slowly, she learns to stand on her own to feet. Akira, the leader of the group, learns that it’s okay to lean on other people every now and then.

The story lacks any emotionally taxing and melodramatic romance, but the simple words passed between the characters are meaningful and to the point. Their actions also speak louder than words. Different kinds of love are subtly woven into the story and none are outwardly romantic.

While interesting enough, it does move relatively slow at times. You do get to feel for the characters, particularly Aya as she wrestles with her self-doubt, and searches for confidence. All in all, I’d give the manga 3 stars flat. It didn’t hit me strongly, but it wasn’t painfully long and I did enjoy the characters and their relationships to a certain degree.

DamageCtrl also recommended: Kare First Love, Doubt!!,
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