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.
autobiography
Drawing the Curtains on Act 1: Jenifer Ringer’s Memoir
Did you know that years before “Sugarplumgate,” Jenifer Ringer had been fired and re-hired by NYCB? Leigh reviews “Dancing Through It,” Ringer’s revealing memoir. Get to know the ballerina you thought you knew.
Chloe Arnold’s ‘My Life, My Diary, My Dance’
Chloe Arnold is confident in her life’s journey, as is evident in her one woman show, “My Life, My Diary, My Dance”. Through entries of Chloe’s ‘diary’ we come to understand the relationships and circumstances that developed her into the powerhouse performer that she is today. While the style and flow of the evening was uniquely Chloe Arnold, she makes it very clear that this show is not just about her. In this article Chloe Arnold speaks with columnist Tristan Bruns on tap, her influences, and new directions in this review and interview.
Your Story In Dance, Haiku, or Prose
Recently I exchanged “stories” with a young ballet dancer. In a few paragraphs we were each able to summarize and hit the highlights of our dance backgrounds, life and training pathways while also revealing something of ourselves. The things she’s accomplished and experienced are compelling not because they are uniquely spectacular but unique to her, interpreted by her, shared by her. Whether you elect to focus your tale on dance or on your entire life’s journey, I’d simply like to invite your to share your story with the rest of us in a medium of your choice.
Biographies You Can Sink Your Teeth Into
I love books and I love a good story. And sometimes the stories that are true can capture my imagination as much as any tale of fiction, particularly when the story belongs to a dancer. I haven’t read all of the biographies and autobiographies below (so this isn’t a review post) but they all come highly recommended by dancers like you!