Throughout the novel, multiple characters struggle against adversity, from financial hardship to physical disability. However, characters don’t give in to these limitations, but instead discover new, creative ways to succeed. In emphasizing characters’ resilience, Laurence Yep showcases the importance of meeting challenging situations with confidence.

Robin encounters adversity almost immediately, as Grandmother’s arrival from Hong Kong strains family finances. Before, Robin was a student of Madame Oblamov, a world-class ballerina who herself “danced with the Leningrad ballet” (11), and she excelled under Madame’s expert guidance. However, once immigration expenses jeopardize family finances, Robin learns that she’ll have to forfeit her lessons: “We just can’t handle lessons right now,” Mom explains (13). It’s the first example of a serious limitation on Robin’s skill, potential, and opportunity for advancement, and Robin herself worries about the consequences: “What will happen to my skills?” (23) Though Robin hopes that such a limitation will only be temporary, it instead sets a major precedent for the rest of the novel, and she’s often challenged by a radical change in circumstance. Going forward, Robin loses ground with her friends, struggles with too-small shoes, and eventually realizes that her hammer toes will make it “hurt when [she] dance[s]” (157).