This article describes the complex relationship between two girls, the protagonists of Zadie Smith’s Swing Time (2016). The unnamed narrator and her friend, Tracey, have been competing since childhood. They share not only the same ethnic roots (both have black and white parents), but also a passion for dancing and watching Fred Astair’s films. Unfortunately, it turns out that one
of the dancers, the narrator, has flat feet, which permanently affects relations between the girls. This seemingly insignificant fact appears to be destructive for their friendship. Her dysfunctional feet prevent the protagonist from following her dreams. Having given up the dancing career, the narrator begins her new journey: she goes to university and strives to discover her identity. Soon the young woman understands how meaningful and significant the relationship with Tracey was.
It was not only about competitiveness and jealousy, but also about support and dependence. Therefore the narrator misses her childhood friend. This article draws attention to the issue of difficult female friendship influenced by the dysfunctionality of the body.
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