35 replies to this topic

[dirac]

In response to Lillian's remark about Baryshnikov, I don't doubt that he's a handful, but it seemed obvious that Kirkland was at that time in the habit of plunging headlong into affairs much too fast and then blaming the other party for failing to do likewise.  It's unfortunate that her book was so exaggerated in many respects, since much of what she spoke of -- I'm thinking of the passages on the lack of good medical advice and the prevalence of eating disorders among dancers -- deserved more attention than they were getting at that time.

[dirac]

In response to Lillian's remark about Baryshnikov, I don't doubt that he's a handful, but it seemed obvious that Kirkland was at that time in the habit of plunging headlong into affairs much too fast and then blaming the other party for failing to do likewise.  It's unfortunate that her book was so exaggerated in many respects, since much of what she spoke of -- I'm thinking of the passages on the lack of good medical advice and the prevalence of eating disorders among dancers -- deserved more attention than they were getting at that time.

[pdance]

Hey, guys!  Does anyone know of any websites or e-mail addresses on Gelsey Kirkland?  Any info would be greatly appreciated!   Thanks!

[pdance]

Hey, guys!  Does anyone know of any websites or e-mail addresses on Gelsey Kirkland?  Any info would be greatly appreciated!   Thanks!

[pdance]

Hello again.  I just rented a copy of Dancing on my Grave.  So far it's interesting, but I'm only on the third chapter.  Anyway I'll let you know what I think of it when I'm done!

[Natalia]

I always thought that DANCING ON MY GRAVE would make a wonderful movie.  Does anybody know if it was ever marketed to Hollywood? With so many "silly" made-for-TV movies of late about figure skaters who aren't half as interesting ("The Oksana Baiul Story" & "Tonya & Nancy" a couple of years ago; a new Michelle Kwan Story film in the works), I thought that Gelsey's story would be so much more gripping & marketable. - Jeannie

[pdance]

Jeannie- I agree!  It is very interesting.  I also think that people would be more interested in getting the movie than the book.  My three cents!

[Steve Keeley]

But who could they get to play Kirkland and Baryshnikov?

~Steve

[Victoria Leigh]

Anne Bancroft, Shirley MacClain, or Vanessa Redgrave of course  

[Leigh Witchel]

Great idea!

I think Vanessa Redgrave would be phenomenal as Baryshnikov.

[Olivier]

Great humour guys !!!

Unfortunately, I think Hollywood is probably auditioning a Monica right now !
I don't think Gelsey would even make the list of Hollywood's future projects...too bad !
But : "Go...Vanessa !!!"

[Natalia]

Gwyneth Paltrow is thin enough to play Gelsey...or how about that actress who plays Aly McBeal (forgot her name). For Baryshnikov...how about Rasta in pale make-up?      [I like the Vanessa idea, though.]

[Hollyberry]

Southern Ballet Theatre in Orlando has a wonderful summer program that Gelsey guest teaches at.  She is wonderful.  I had her this past summer there and I am having her again.  Her classes are amazing.  You can't help but have fun in her class.  With her husband right along side her, she teaches a character like ballet class that steels the show.  I had so much fun and I can't wait until this summer.  Her combanations and her corrections were just amazing.  The little things she had us working on were just something you would never think of, but actually do help the over all picture of your performance.  What an AWSOME teacher she is.
Hollyberry

[pdance]

Hey!  I'm a little over half way into Dancing on my Grave.  It's interesting, yet very negative.  I'll let you know what I think when I finish it.

[Katharyn]

Although I wouldn't say Gelsey is one of my favourite dancers (having only seen her dance one role on video and read both her books) I do confess to having a strange fascination with her.
I have read many books where people (particularly other dancers) complain about her meticulous method of preparing for a role, yet I have never heard her 'genius' doubted. Her books were totally honest (and often truth is subjective- whether or not she should take the blame for many of the mistakes in her life is not the point).  (Well thats my unlearned opinion anyway).  
She seems to be a bundle of contradictions in one tiny woman- 'an amazing combination of fragility and strength' as alexandra mentioned, and able to look spontaneous onstage when every move was rehearsed.
It's no wonder people are still fascinated by her, even now.