My question is about a favorite book I think was published in the 1970s. The main character is around 14, studying dance, I believe set in NYC. She was often practicing “Slaughter on Tenth Avenue” for a recital. She was frequently called “red ruby lips” by a teenage boy who would see her at the subway station after dress rehearsal. Her controlling mother with whom she had somewhat of a strained relationship had cancer and died by the end; she then decides to quit dance, since it was more her mother’s dream. I think I remember her placing her ballet slippers in her mother’s casket. Solved by Lost Classics readers Julie W and Sheesh: A Star for the Latecomer by Bonnie and Paul Zindel
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Lost Classics of Teen Lit: Name That Book! 