Starring Adele Astaire

Fred Astaire is one of the most famous dancers of the 20th century who, along with his partner Ginger Rogers, conquered stages and cinemas across America. However, it is a little-known fact that the famous duo of Ginger and Fred had a predecessor: the first dance partner of the famous Fred was his older sister, Adele. The Astaire siblings (originally named Austerlitz, the family changed their name after arriving in America) were a child sensation at the beginning of the century, and critics at the time even considered Adele, who was three years older, to be the more talented and dazzling half of the sibling duo.

Their worldwide success was born on the day they embarked on their first journey to Europe, which fundamentally changed their lives. Adele, in particular, shone on the European stages, and London welcomed her as a superstar. The sons of the most distinguished aristocratic families, including the heir to the throne himself, knelt at her feet, but Adele—unlike her ambitious brother—had a different vision for her life.

Adele's story is complemented by her fictional friend Violet, a young dancer from a poor background who is determined to succeed in the great world of the stage at all costs. And she is willing to sacrifice almost everything to achieve her goals.

The vivid story of Adele's life unfolds at a fast pace against the backdrop of groundbreaking historical events. Both on a large, global scale and in the small details concerning Adele's character, the author consistently adheres to facts and, from the very first page, draws us into the glamorous, but often harsh, world of professional dancers.


Translated by Hana Sichingerová.