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.
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Grace Makes Beauty Out Of Ugly Things
Four years ago, a young dancer, Melinda Marchiano was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. She’s transformed her confrontation with cancer into something beautiful, documenting her path through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery in a memoir, Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery, which she published in October, 2010. Melinda talks with DA about cancer, her book, and her future plans.
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!
Your Lobby Library — 9 Dance Biographies for Students
The lobby of your studio is a great place for waiting dancers and families to learn a bit more about dance, its history, and its artists. Picture books are a great way to introduce your dancers and perhaps inspire them to learn more and dig deeper into the lives and legacies of important figures in dance.
9 Dance Books I Can’t Live Without
Just a list of 9 dance references that I use all the time.
A FREE Download for Parents of Dancers
If you are a family that has welcomed dance into your household and your hearts, you may have questions and concerns about the welfare, health, and happiness of your child as they pursue their training. Download this free e-book for parents from a trusted source for quality information.