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First Position: A Century of Ballet Artists |
Author: Toba Singer
Published: 2007-08-30 |
List price: $49.95
Our price: $49.95
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As of: January 05th, 2009 10:05:14 PM
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Customer comments on this selection.
 A delight
This book is very well written and the subject is a delight. Toba Singer writes about ballet artists from the 20th century. Chapter by chapter we learn something of each person's dancing, who they were / are and why they are now revered. As I read through the chapters I learned something of the relationships among the dancers that grew out of dancing together as well as being inspired by the talents of their predecessors and contemporaries.
I see a ballet a couple of times a year and always enjoy the beauty, movement and music. After reading this book I saw more. I could see something of "dance partnering as a conversation through movement, the interpenetration of contrasting personalities to tell a story of romance, intrigue, anger, or frustration." (p. 22) Before I saw Giselle again I read The Ballet Called Giselle by Cyril Beaumont. The chapter on Li Cunxin led me to read his autobiography, Mao's Last Dancer.
First Position is a good read. People follow a variety of paths to become great dancers, but it's always a good story and this telling is beautifully written.
15 Ordinary Lives
Toba Singer's First Position is a gift to the field for dancers, ballet insiders and curious arts lovers. When compared to other works that explore dancers' lives and careers First Position is often refreshing for the nuanced deference and respect Singer lends the artists in her narrative.
The chapters land with a certain grace, and one in particular bears special mention. Singer's telling of ballerina Gelsey Kirkland's story was thankfully not reminiscent of Kirkland's own rendition of her experience in Dancing on my Grave, a tell-all page turner that plays to the voyeur who can't wait to revel in Kirkland's latest transgression while writhing from the self-inflicted devastation wrought on her career. First Position offers, without accusation, an account of common imperatives that can drive ballet companies of any size: the narcissistic choreographer, the earned revenue potential of the once-in-a-century prodigy, the cruel threat of instant replacement that drives dancers to insanely attempt to outperform their injuries.
In this context Singer offers us a chance to embrace the fullness of Kirkland's capacity to overcome and heal. It's a great kindness that in her chapter Singer references Kirkland's subsequent work, The Shape of Love, for this invites the reader to travel farther along the creative, in fact restorative arc of this phenomenal artists' life. We glimpse resurrection and bear witness to Kirkland's process of "facing death in order not to betray love." We come away with a sense that Kirkland has also chosen not to betray art, and this is of great solace and hope.
First Position holds many gems. A beautiful and enigmatic presence at San Francisco Ballet, Muriel Maffre lifts the veil just enough to share deep intellect and wisdom.
With Carla Fracci, we readers are flies on the wall, hearing her remember Rudolf Nureyev's partnering style as "horse brushing." It was a light-hearted yet dearly intimate reflection on an even closer shared understanding that when conveyed to artists and viewers, keeps ballet brilliantly alive.
In her preface, Singer interestingly notes an "ordinariness" of the subjects of First Position that eventually becomes the stuff of great art-making. Toba Singer's book negotiates this leap as deftly as her dancers, by making their vast and complicated humanity resonate in a way we can all share.
Wonderful
I found Singer's book quite inspiring, with its intimate look into the art and lives of these 15 ballet artists. Each dancer was introduced to ballet in different ways, and each experienced such unique individual paths toward their greatness, yet all shared in the total dedication to their art form. Singer's own devotion and love for the subject of ballet shines brightly with each turn of the page. I believe this book to be an important read for dance professionals, students, and anyone who loves dance. Bravo!
A Treasure Trove
It is not hyperbole to state that this is simply one of the best books ever written on the subject of dance. The things Ms. Singer gets these master artists to talk about; the way she contextualizes and frames their insights; her own passion bubbling beneath the surface; her sure, elegant hand and natural storytelling instincts -- are all pure gold, illuminating the mysteries not only of dance, but of the creative impulse itself. This is an indispensable work by a mature artist operating at the height of her powers.
Thoroughly Enjoyable
Loved reading the stories about each dancer. I am a former dancer who loves ballet and Ms. Singer's book provides an insightful and entertaining glimpse of the challenges ballet dancers face as they train, overcome injuries, hop-scotch through the world's major dance companies, work with different choreographers and try to maintain a fulfilling family and social life. A delightful read.
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