Pirouette into My Heart (2024)

Pirouette into My Heart is an ongoing manhua written by ShuiBian Jing illustrated by Tang LiuZang. Jiang Shen trains in ballet which boxer Bai Jinyi notices. Befriending one another they progress in their hobbies with their friends around them. Fellow ballet student Song Xin along with Shen's friends from his hometown Chen Maoxiu, Cheng Qingling and Shen Shubao consider their dreams as well, along with Song Lai who also boxes.

First released in 2019, it has been published in Chinese by KuaiKan Manhua, and in English by MangaToon, and Tapas. Season 1 is complete with 74 chapters in addition to the prologue and three extras. Season 2 has a prologue and is ongoing.

Synopsis[]

A young innocent ballet boy and a passionate, determined boxing boy. The two met at the children's palace, and since then, they have grown up together supporting each other. May there be hardships, may there be obstacles, yet they never stopped pursuing their dreams. The beauty of the salad days is the sweat from the hard work and the bonding of friendship. Although they have completely different paths set up for them, what never changes is their beautiful friendship...

Characters[]

Jiang Shen[]

As a child turning twelve in June he was embarrassed when girls noticed that he was watching them partake in ballet. With his mother, Ling and Miss Lin's encouragement he took part. He intends to learn the "Swan Lake" routine at which point he will dance it for Bai Jinyi and Song Lai. Three years later he is close to Jinyi and Lai and lists interacting with wildlife as interesting things in his village. Shen remains close with Chen Maoxiu, Shen Shubuo and Cheng Qingling who live nearby to him in the countryside. He asks his mother whether she thinks if he stood on tip toes he would be closer to the moon and stars. Due to start high school soon where time for dancing may be diminished Shen speaks to his chicken on why it becomes to hard for someone to pursue their dreams. Offered croissants and warm milk by Jinyi and told to eat it Shen thinks he is scary even when trying to help. After affectionately greeting who he thinks is Jinyi on the phone Shen changes his tone when it turns out to be Maoxiu. His upset changes to anger and then feeling an acceptance that Jinyi is not obliged to tell him everything when he moves to America. Reasoning that Jinyi belonged in a different world anyway Shen feels he should be happy for him and Shen does not want Jinyi to give up his dream for him. Shen does not think it is possible that he will be picked by a teacher since Shen just started dancing three years ago. Invited to stay over at Jinyi's his response is to ask whether there are a lot of fun places in Shanghai then takes a high speed train with Lai to see him. As he considers the injuries Jinyi must sustain whilst boxing then insists he is fine Shen thinks it will be okay since he will always be with him from now on and will never be alone on the path of fulfilling their dreams. With the boxing stadium and environment all new to him Shen just hopes that Jinyi does not get hurt. Holding an ice pack and wiping him Shen thinks that Jinyi actually looks really pretty. He is unafraid of thunder with him used to the summer storms in the countryside. After his performance was seen Shen accepts Shen Junyi's offer to professionally train in ballet in Shanghai where Jinyi is.

Bai Jinyi[]

Stated to be the same age as Shen he was in a boxing class when Jinyi noticed he was being watched. Minding his own business Jinyi was accused by another boxing student of being full of himself just because he is from a rich family. Unbothered Jinyi heads to the ballet room and says hello to Shen there having not thought there were any male swans in a reference to ballet dancers. Finding him in the washroom Jinyi helps clear make-up off Shen's face. Practicing with boxing friend Lai with Shen joining them Jinyi says if Shen likes to dance then he should. Three years later he speaks to Shen via phone that he need only to dance the Swan Lake routine in front of him. Finding him at school Jinyi places his arm around Shen. He seems happy that Shen is not aggressive and addresses him affectionately as "Little Swan". Given a pet chick to look after he tells Shen that he might be going to America next year but is scared that by the time he gets back he will forget about him. He does not elucidate that whilst he was talking about the chick Jinyi meant that he hopes Shen does not forget. Heading to meet a professional boxing coach Jinyi means to prepare for the future. When Shen's friend Maoxiu buys him new ballet shoes where Jinyi had also bought some he instead gifts a smart phone to Shen. Jinyi says he will face time him tonight and for Shen to call him if he needs anything. With Shen raising whether he will continue boxing and whether his parents allowed him to Jinyi replies he continued practice even when his mother did not agree. From that he also discerns that Shen's parents do not want him to dance anymore to which Jinyi adds when he decides to do something he will no matter how many barriers there are. He remembers Shen's home town friends by name even though Jinyi has not met them in person. Jinyi has been measuring the chick's height and weight everyday and maintains routines. Even if he has to fly back in his family's private jet Jinyi says he will not miss Shen's performance. He knows the size of the clothes Shen wears. Stating that he is not good with words Jinyi cannot find any good enough to praise Shen's dancing after he indeed does travel to witness it. Aiming to be either a lightweight or middleweight national champion Jinyi then means to go international and receive the golden championship belt. Although he is aware the career of a boxer does not last long and whilst it is possible he may no longer be able to box by the time he is thirty Jinyi believes he is still pursuing his dream. Jinyi says he does not like dance instructor Zhou indirectly stating because he is too feminine. With Shen raising that he wears skirts and is more feminine Jinyi replies Shen is not the same and since he is Little Swan Shen can wear skirts. Jinyi adds if Shen becomes Junyi's student he can come to Shanghai where he is. With his instructor Jinyi replies it is not okay when instructed to learn English since there is no time and that the instructor should learn Chinese. He messages Shen to remember to stay confidant and that he is the best. Whilst Shen is oblivious and thinks there are different reasons for Jinyi wanting to impress him and visiting his room in the night, Jinyi remains ever supportive of "Little Swan" and committed to his own boxing related dreams.

Song Lai[]

A member of the boxing class who asks Jinyi who Shen is. The winner of the minor's team for the city boxing competition he is also a third year middle school student. Lai jokes as Jinyi's senior he should respect him more. Song then remarks how both Jinyi and Shen are weird on account of the sayings that when one is rich they do not do boxing and if you are poor you do not do dancing respectively. Three years later Lai questions if Shen wants to watch Jinyi box. Whenever he sees her Lai teases Song Xin including commenting on her weight. Seeing them he says to look at how Shen treats Jinyi and should Xin not be doing something for himself as well. Observing that Shen is so nice to Jinyi and hearing that is is because he is good-looking the implication is not lost on Lai with it understood that he is not. The badinage continues with Lai saying if Jinyi were not rich he would have beaten him to a pulp. When another boxing member comments on the Little Swan from the dancing class next door the tone is identified as derisory. Angered and asking what made them think they have the right to address Shen like that Lai informs those concerned to not get the wrong idea and he can still beat them up. He himself happily resumes addressing Shen as Little Swan but still without any sneering connotations attached. Playing a computer game at the time when Jinyi said he was only getting his visa Lai passed along that Jinyi had already gone to America. Lai was tasked by Jinyi to look after Shen when Jinyi was in America and used the transactional card he was entrusted with to buy food related items for him. Attending Shen's recital Lai laughs loudly when he is mistaken as being Jinyi by Maoxiu and is also saving the centre seat for Jinyi. He falls asleep during the performance and is startled awake that it is Shen's turn in the final performance so soon. Lai also laughs loudly at Shen desiring to create large banners and wanting to cheer Jinyi in a friendly boxing match he is having. Recognized in Shanghai Lai clarifies he was last year's heavyweight youth national runner-up then boasts how a majority of the people here know him. Taking boxing seriously he views the intense fighting as praise. Viewing a match he decides for him and Shen to stand as close as possible to the boxing ring to pressure the opponent. Aimed at the fans of the opposition Lai glares and curses at them to induce them into cowering. Coming across Shen alone with Jinyi applying ointment to him Lai spots Jinyi's expression. Determining he is just in time Lai decides to blow on his face to help it heal. Overall Lai is boisterous, serious about his boxing yet supportive to Shen who he knows his friend Jinyi values.

Song Xin[]

One of the girls who was curious to find Shen as a boy joining the ballet class. Wondering whether Shen is able to do the splits Xin demonstrates them herself. When the boys in the adjacent boxing class see them watching through the glass she pushes Shen down to stop him being seen. Xin then opines they are unclean and advises Shen to keep away from them. Specifically they should not mess with Lai Song and Jinyi is scary. Xin concludes that they are all little fairies and not like them. Three years later she saw Jinyi here a while ago answering the question of who placed cooked beef in Shen's locker. Xin shares how she had a fight with her parents as they want her to put in more effort into her school work with her beginning year 12 soon however she would like to continue dancing. Since school is starting Xin has taken some practice days off for tutoring. She answers Lai that fairies do not eat lollies yet craves one anyway. Learning from Lai that they were complimentary lollies that came with the salad outrages Xin. With Zhou Luo Xiang attending Xin considers him handsome and is thrilled at the possibility of being accepted as one of his students. The reality is the performance in front of an audience is Xin's last. In her senior year she needs to attend the general course and study diligently to get into university. Supporting him Xin says that Shen is way more talented than herself and all the other students. After questioning how Shen could dare hesitate in accepting Zhou's offer she speaks to Qingling and the others gathered on reserving a table at a restaurant to celebrate the successful recital.

Chen Maoxiu[]

Also called Gou Mao he is a neighbour of Shen's who wanted to show him his secret technique of stone-skipping. He encourages Shen when they watch the Swan Lake routine on television. After stealing the eggs from a hen's nest and being chased by a wild cockerel he and Shen took the rooster home and gave the rooster the English name of Tony. His parent's lent Shen's parents their planting machine. Suggesting to Shen that they go shopping in the city later Maoxiu says he will come and get him. He pretends to have bought the wrong thing when he has a new pair of ballet shoes so shares them with Shen. Whilst he is annoyed at Shen offering him money for them since he feels Shen is looking down on him, Maoxiu is happy to receive help with homework instead. Arriving home late Maoxiu has acquired the imported candy he was after and gives half to Shen and his sister Qingling. He calls Shen to ask whether he knew if Qingling had heard what Miao Hua said. Maoxiu tells Qingling with him as her brother she can continue her artistry. Getting into a fight with Shubao, Maoxiu says if he does not discipline him and show Shubao what he is made of then Shubao is always going to think he is all great. Encouraging to Qingling and Shen he also acts physically when he feels Shubao may be close to overstepping a line and was direct in asking who Lai was when he was seated in a row they reserved.

Chen Qingling[]

She lives in the same village as Shen and goes into the city because Qingling has drawing lessons there. Nicknamed Qing Lingzi she says brother Shubao is way too soft with Maoxiu, the latter of which is her biological brother. With her starting high school soon Qingling's parents consider drawing to be useless careers wise and only good as a hobby when younger. Going strawberry picking Qingling notes the sun is pretty hot and for Shen to make sure he protects himself from sun burn. It took him so long to get rid of the tan he had before. Walking barefoot through the field Qingling states it is suffocating to wear her shows. Qingling is aware that Jinyi's family is rich. Embracing Shen after his performance Qingling found it to be so beautiful.

Shen Shubao[]

A village friend of Shen's who states the Swan Lake routine does look hard. Shubao feels it is a love story between two men. In response to being fanned by Maoxiu, Shubao says if he wants to copy his homework then he will need to exchange it with something else. With Jinyi taking Shen to a restaurant Shubao responds by advising Shen to just take a box of yoghurt from his house and give it to Jinyi to return the favour. He thinks to get a new pair of ballet shoes for Shen and is not above using his homework assistance to encourage Maoxiu to comply with this. He leaves the largest strawberries for others to pick and with Shen wanting to give his own strawberries to his friend in the city Shubao tells Shen to save his and have the ones he picked. With others unaware of how to dry strawberries Shubao produces a laptop and researches how whilst reasoning one should always learn when they do not know something. Being in year 12 he says it is time to start preparing for Gaokao and he would like to go to Beijing and look around the capital city. Shen says Shubao will record the performance and he does so on his phone. Shubao is alert of other's actions and selfless when thinking of how to act in turn, except for when it concerns Maoxiu.

Ling[]

Shen's Mother, originally she wanted to buy a rice transplanting machine. She is pleased from what she can see how Shen really likes ballet. Arranging a basket for one she asks whether the city kids know how to take care of chickens. Washing Shen's feet Ling reminds him to not injure himself and thinks she will always support him. When Shen offers to do the dishes she replies it is okay and for him to do his homework. Ling is pleased that they will get to have a dancer in the family.

Shen's Father[]

With ballet and school fees he assures his wife Ling that he will just work harder everyday to have a good harvest in September. He questions how their son became interested in dancing when he is not a girl. With Shen mentioning the girls having such pale skin he answers that Shen does not need to be that pale because he is a boy. Shen's father remains committed to ensuring his son can pursue his dream regardless of the financial cost that he is prepared to contribute.

Miss Lin[]

The ballet class instructor who encourages Shen to practice. She specifically choreographed male dance steps for him so that he can partner up with Xin. She is sure Xin will not quit dancing when she begins high school and encourages Shen to also try hard when he equates starting high school with having to leave dancing behind. Having noticed Shen's poor performances for the last two sessions Miss Lin mentions there will be a lot of famous teachers coming to watch the stage performance. Mentioning Zhou Luoxiang she voices that he might even choose a student himself and Miss Lin thinks it would be amazing if he chose Shen. Thrilled she waves at Shen and calls him over with Zhou beside her.

Wang[]

Referred to as Jinyi's uncle who picks him up from school. In one case when Jinyi was pretending to wait for the bus to speak to Shen and he turned up Wang could sense that who he called the young master was angry. To cater to Jinyi's demands he has brought their fastest sports car to bring Jinyi to Shen's performance. He is waiting in Shanghai to pick Shen and Lai up when they visit Jinyi.

Zhou Luoxiang[]

Between himself and Shen Junyi they have taken almost every single international modern dance award for the past ten years. He is eight years younger than Junyi. Xin says his modern dance is more focused on beauty where it is at its peak at the moment. As the representative from the North branch of the contemporary dance academy Zhou invites Shen to Beijing to learn from him.

Shen Junyi[]

He had the same teacher as Zhou and his dance studio is based in Shanghai. Journeying to Shen's house Junyi questions whether Shen's teacher taught him that his feet are as important as his life. There he issues directions including for Shen to demonstrate the Demi Plie then Grand Plie movements. Presenting a card for the Lai Yu Academy that he runs Junyi would like Shen to learn dancing professionally in Shanghai. Stating that learning dancing is hard Junyi adds the process can be dry and boring. Reacting to Zhou also contacting Shen, Junyi says Zhou is not good enough to be compared to himself. He is often invited to be a distinguished guests at various dancing competitions. Junyi only has two students that he tutors personally and the lessons are not open to the public.

Ren Hui[]

The main teacher of Lai Yi who supervizes the entire third floor. She is described as a first-rate national ballet performer. Regarded as appearing strict by Shen she shows herself to be warm and friendly. Understanding that Shen has come here from far away Hui says it would tire him out if he were asked to dance right now as he suggested. Sending a photo of Shen doing the splits she messages Junyi to point out who has arrived.

Jing Luoyun[]

Called Yun Yun by Hui she is Shen's senior when he attends the Lai Yi dance academy. Luoyun is one of three students mentored by Junyi.

Story Introduction[]

At the Children's Palace, Jiang Shen observes girls partaking in ballet before being noticed. Shen's mother, named Ling suggests that he join and the instructor Miss Lin invites him to try. Afterwards taking the bus back Shen is able to go to the dance studio every week and at home Shen's father also encourages Shen in his hobby. In ballet class Shen is able to do a split like Song Xin can before he and others observe the boys in the boxing session in the next room. Bai Jinyi is one member and notices and speaks with Shen.^[1] With his village friends Chen Maoxiu, Cheng Qingling and Bai Jinyi calling Shen to play instead he continues practice. After foot stretching exercises the girls are concerned Shen is getting too tanned like the boys next door. Heading to the washroom to clear the make-up off his face Shen finds Jinyi who helps him.^[2] Sharing their names they walk back together until another boxer, Lai Song arrives. Xin shares details on the boys. Shen's parents discuss how he is to start middle school in September. Jinyi is practising boxing with Lai after hours when Shen joins them.^[3]

Departing the bus Shen sees his friends and three years later they watch the male rendition of Swan Lake on television. At school Shen is joined by Jinyi.^[4] Lai tells Xin he is taking Shen to watch boxing practice.^[5] Shen does not speak of his eggs that Jinyi ate but the matter is raised by Lai. Asking why he did not say anything Jinyi questions if Shen is hungry now and they head to a fast food restaurant.^[6] With Shen saying he does not need a mobile phone they discuss what interesting things he does in the countryside as it turns Spring time.^[7] As Shen sits with Qingling she along with Shubao and Maoxiu want to know who Shen wants to give milk as a gift to. Shen shares details of Jinyi treating him at a restaurant. Feeding some chicks Shen chooses an aggressive one like Jinyi to give to him.^[8] Shen's mother provides a basket for the chick which Shen presents to Jinyi.^[9] In ballet practice Shen considers Jinyi's expression back then before Miss Lin announces Shen as the lead dancer for the concert at the end of the year. Shen hears that Jinyi might be going to America next year.^[10] It is recollected how when Shen was younger he asked the book lender whether he knew about "Spring Water reflects the Moon" and "The Sleeping Beauty". The referred to as Grandpa views a locket image of Ying Er and contemplates how the book she left behind has finally found its use again.^[11]

Jinyi asks whether there is anything Shen has to say to him and whether that is it when Shen replies he was made lead dancer. Shen's parents discuss the possibility of Shen moving to the city for further training. Shen learnt Battement Tendu Jete today.^[12] Jinyi and Shen exchange beef and egg food gifts.^[13] Maoxiu heads with Shen and Shubao into the city for imported items.^[14] Shen thanks Maoxiu for the new ballet shoes he bought and tells Jinyi about them who has also bought a pair for him. Telling him to go to school early tomorrow Jinyi gifts a smart phone to Shen for them to contact one another.^[15] Xin is annoyed since she had a fight with her parents. Shen is going to high school soon and asks why Xin has to stop dancing after going into senior year. Maoxiu contemplates what is to become of Qingling's dreams of sketching.^[16] Xin has taken time away for tutoring and Shen is asked by Miss Lin to learn the female dance steps as well.^[17] Jinyi is watching Shen practice and waits for him at the bus stop.^[18] Shen asks whether Jinyi will continue boxing even if his parents were against it. He will and hopes Shen will stick to what he wants to do.^[19]

After Maoxiu calls, Shen also speaks with Jinyi on raising chicks. Shen asks if Jinyi would like to visit the village before school starts to see chicken Baier's father, Tony.^[20] Shen goes strawberry picking with his village friends and discuss how to dry them^[21] before useing a stove to do so as they discuss their dreams.^[22] Lai addresses the manner on how other boxing members are perceiving Shen then answers him that Jinyi has gone to America. Shen should not worry about it because Jinyi will be back after a few years. He has heard that Jinyi's family is going to build a boxing arena in Shanghai.^[23] Miss Lin and Xin discuss renowned dancers Zhou Luoxiang and Shen Junyi. Jinyi calls Shen^[24] where it transpires that Jinyi was getting his visa and says he would definitely have told Shen if he were leaving. They can still use video calls before Shen asks whether Jinyi can watch his performance at the end of August. JInyi leaves for America^[25] and gave Lai a bank card where he uses it to bring lunch to Shen and Xin.^[26]

Xin and Shen discuss the Luyao dance. Jinyi speaks to Shen via video call and says to make sure he wears the ballet shoes he bought for him.^[27] As the performance is nearing Jinyi finds his flight delayed.^[28] For the play where the deity in the story appears is neither a man nor a woman that is when Shen and Xin are to dance together. Qingling has saved seats for Shubao, and Maoxiu with them asks who Lai is when he sits next to them. They assume that Lai is this Jinyi who has been sending gifts to Shen.^[29] Zhou Luo Xiang is in attendance and Qingling with Maoxiu are sure that Shen will be scouted. Jinyi is not present and Lai had fallen asleep during the opera part as Shubao notes Shen's performance of "The Land Deity" is next.^[30] Shen and Xin complete section one of the routine yet Shen's garment has been ripped and Jinyi arrives at the venue.^[31] Shen plays the female part of the play and sees Jinyi.^[32] Miss Lin enthusiastically calls Shen over where Luoxiang asks if Shen wants to learn from him by coming to Beijing. Shen's collective friends gather and praise him.^[33] Jinyi helps clear the make up off Shen as they discuss dreams that might have a time limit.^[34]

Shen's dream became clear that day. Moments are like stars racing towards the endless years soon to become engraved in the milky way forever. As Shen fishes with Shubao and Maoxiu he is asked future plans when he becomes a high schooler.^[35] Shen Junyi arrives at Jiang Shen's house and would like Shen to professionally learn dance in Shanghai. Accommodation and general courses will be provided by the dance academy however school fees will be collected annually. Shen shares that Zhou also contacted him and he discusses his options with Jinyi.^[36] Shen is asked to come and watch Jinyi in a friendly match for the lightweight youth group and then stay the night at his. Shen takes the high speed train with Lai and arrives in Shanghai. Wang is there to transport them to the boxing studio in the Chongming District.^[37] Lai takes Shen to look for Jinyi in the lounge who is with his boxing instructor. Shen hopes Jinyi returns safely but the words Jinyi was looking for were for Shen to hope that he wins.^[38]

Lai and Shen take their place in the crowd as Jinyi enters the arena.^[39] Without a KO the match is set to continue. With his score higher Jinyi is advised to defend but he wants to KO since someone is watching.^[40] Lai explains the dirty tactics that others could use in a match. It is recalled how Jinyi arrived in America but was thinking of Shen over interacting with others. The opponent was from that day and in the arena facing Jinyi he observes how Shen is watching and looks like he is about to cry before punching Jinyi over when he looks. After his foe taunts him that his little boyfriend is watching Jinyi returns a match deciding punch.^[41] With others gathering around Shen is unsure if he can go onstage until Jinyi invites and lifts him up. Whilst he asks Shen whether he looks cool Shen is more concerned on whether Jinyi is hurt. After holding an ice pack to him Shen stays over at Jinyi's.^[42] Before Jinyi with Shen and Lai went to a restaurant together. After spraining his ankle Shen was carried by Jinyi to spare him further injury.^[43] Back within Jinyi's residence Shen applies ointment to Jinyi's face before Lai joins them.^[44] Shen is unafraid of the thunderstorm but feels he said something wrong when Jinyi came to his room before he said goodnight. Returning Jinyi gives Shen his boxing gloves and says they can keep him company if he has trouble sleeping. Again Shen bids Jinyi goodbye and thinks he was just worrying about him because of the thunderstorm.^[45]

Touring the Lai Yi Dance Academy whilst Jinyi trains Shen thinks he is finally qualified to come here. Whilst Junyi is out Shen receives a tour of the studio. A trophy cabinet displays the awards director Yuan has won that have made him the nations best.^[46] Impressed with the facilities Shen also notes there are actually many male dancers. Teacher Ren Hui is delighted to find Shen there and takes him the esteemed fifth floor.^[47] Lai finds Jinyi renovating his house since Shen has no place to dance so is dividing his boxing room in half to turn it into Shen's practice room. With Lai mentioning that dorms are available so Shen may not end up living with him, Jinyi replies for Lai to not tell him about the dorms.^[48]

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References[]

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