Tomboy Ballerina
A memoir of movement, memory, and becoming
From the barre to the world stage, Roni Mahler shares the personal story behind her remarkable life in ballet—tracing the steps of a journey shaped by passion, discipline, and discovery.
Order Your Copy Today!
Go Behind the Curtain With Roni Mahler
Early Steps & Big Dreams
From cheering for Mickey Mantle at Yankee Stadium to training under the legendary Madame Maria Yurieva Swoboda, Roni Mahler’s early years were filled with movement, curiosity, and determination. At 18, she joined the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, launching a life on stage.
A Star on the World Stage
Roni’s talent and grace carried her to principal roles with the National Ballet of Washington, D.C., under Frederic Franklin, and later to American Ballet Theatre, where she portrayed iconic characters like the Queen of the Wilis in Giselle. Her presence was powerful, her artistry unforgettable.
Movement with Purpose
Beyond the stage, Roni became a pioneer—teaching ballet to football players and coaching dancers around the globe. As Artistic Associate of Cleveland Ballet/Ballet San Jose, she spent over 30 years nurturing talent, blending tradition with innovation.
This Book Is Touching Hearts, One Reader at a Time
"I've so enjoyed reading Roni Mahler's new memoir on her life in ballet. She was a highly revered ballerina with such varied experiences and she recounts her life story with humor and grace. I love the photos too and would highly recommend her book to dance enthusiasts and students alike."
— Maria Calegari
Former Principal Dancer, NYCBallet
Répétiteur, George Balanchine Trust, Robbins Rights Trust
"Your voice will never be forgotten in my mind from the wonderful Statler LPs, but even more so, from your voice in Tomboy Ballerina. Thank you... for the behind -the-scenes looks at some of the most memorable performances I saw as a child in Chicago, and thank you very much for sharing the incredible stories of what it was like to forge a path of ballet in America. Your words will be with me and passed on while I stage Mr. B's ballets... You are and have always been an inspiration."
— Diana White
Former Soloist, NYCBallet
Répétiteur, George Balanchine Trust, Robbins Rights Trust
"Great book! Such fun stories and written so well. You don’t even have to be a ballet aficionado to enjoy it."
— Aimee McRae
"I have known Ronnie since childhood. Not only was I in some of the same classes at Madame Swoboda's school, and Ballet Russe school, we were dear friends at Camp Wicosuta. I loved reading Tomboy Ballerina because it
brought back wonderful memories. Ronnie has a unique talent in writing as if she is simply talking to the reader. I also love her humorous asides."— Phyllis Constan
