Join us at The Museum of Russian Art for a special evening celebrating the release of Behind the Red Velvet Curtain: An American Ballerina in Russia, a memoir co-authored by Joy Womack, the first American woman to graduate from the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet Academy with a Red Diploma and perform as a soloist with the Bolshoi Ballet, and acclaimed journalist Elizabeth Shockman. The memoir offers an insider’s perspective on Womack’s extraordinary journey and her experiences in the demanding world of Russian ballet during a period of intense geopolitical tension.

“This memoir is about more than mastering grand jetés and pirouettes—it’s about maintaining artistic integrity while confronting systemic challenges that seemed insurmountable,” says Womack.

In this powerful account, Womack shares her story of triumph and resilience as she navigated the world of Russian ballet, revealing the grueling training, cultural contrasts, and institutional challenges she faced while pursuing her artistic dreams.

During this special event, Elizabeth Shockman will be present in person to discuss the book, share insights into her collaboration with Womack, and answer audience questions. Joy Womack will join the conversation virtually. The book will be available for purchase in the TMORA Shop, with a signing to follow the presentation.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear the inspiring story of courage, artistry, and perseverance.

Tuesday, April 15 |  7:00 – 8:30 PM

TICKETS: $10 General Admission  |  $8 TMORA Members  |  $5 Students

Doors open at 6:00 PM. All galleries and TMORA Shop will be open for your enjoyment prior to the reading. Free parking is located across the street in the Creekside Church (formerly the Mayflower Church) parking lot. The event will take place in the Main Gallery. Seating is general admission.

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Joy Womack is a ballerina, currently working at the Paris Opera. She has a combined social media following of approximately 75,000 across all platforms, was featured in a 2021 independent documentary, Joy Womack: The White Swan, and is also the subject of a biopic film, The American. Her story has been followed by news outlets around the world, including The New York Times, The Moscow Times, Reuters, Time Magazine, the L.A. Times,NBC News.

Elizabeth Shockman is a public radio journalist based in Minnesota with nationally and internationally published work at NPR, PRI, MPR, Reuters, The Moscow Times, BBC, and many other publications. Elizabeth met Joy while working for Reuters in Moscow and has spent more than 12 years interviewing her for this book.