When choosing what graphic novels to read, what typically catches my attention first is the art style. Leap, written and illustrated by Simina Popescu, is drawn in muted shades of gray and pink with pops of bright colors to highlight important and expressive moments. This graphic novel explores first love, friendship, identity, and what to do when our dreams change.

At a conservative performing arts school in Bucharest, Romania, two young dancers spend all day in class and practice, leaving what free time they have to navigate outside experiences. This graphic novel is a small snapshot of their overall lives, but still manages to pack quite the emotional punch.

Ana has been studying contemporary dance for years, but lately she is lacking the desire. Instead of going to practice, her focus has been on Carina, her girlfriend of three years and a classical ballerina with big ambitions that don’t necessarily include Ana. Carina is afraid of being outed, so their relationship stays hidden, leaving the two with limited time and locations to be a couple outside of school. Ana continuously gives up more and more of her own dancing future to help Carina reach her dreams, but at a major cost.

Sara, Ana’s new roommate, is surrounded by whispers and rumors that she may be the best dancer in the entire school (and the best dancer that the school has produced in years). Feeling sad in the classical track the year prior, Marlena, Sara’s mentor and instructor, advised her to leave classical and switch to contemporary where she might feel more comfortable. Sara has always admired Marlena, so the switch was an easy choice. This admiration blossoms into something more, leaving Sara unsure and questioning everything she’s known, looking for answers and help online and eventually from Ana. Starting as roommates, Sara and Ana become friends, sometimes arguing, other times turning to each other for guidance.