Alla Osipenko was one of the great Russian ballerinas. Her name calls to mind Soviet dancer defections, the KGB and the Cold War. Learn more about her in this review of Joel Lobentnal’s enthralling biography on this unique figure in dance.
Dancethropology
Dance Bloggers Share Their Best Of 2015
Dance writers and bloggers share their best posts of last year.
How To Clean Practically Anything Dance-Related
Leave the “Dirty Dancing” to Patrick and Jennifer with these tips for making shoes, dancewear, costumes, floors, and more look good as new.
“Rebel on Pointe”: an independent spirit in a traditional world
Lee Wilson’s memoir places the American dance scene in historical context. Through this book review and interview, we learn that in some ways, women may have less power in the ballet world than in the 1960’s, and that the world is a far larger place than most Americans imagine.
Jazz Dance Legend: Gene Kelly
Gene Kelly changed the way dance was perceived on film and made his athletic style a staple of American dance. Learn about this legendary dancer, choreographer, and actor’s life and legacy in this brief biography.
Does It Really Take “84 Ribbons” To Become a Ballet Soloist?
Despite its bygone setting of 1957, young adult readers as young as 11 will likely relate to the struggles and concerns of a teen dancer just beginning in a ballet company in this sweet debut from Paddy Eger.
