8 replies to this topic

[Ray]

I just came across this title:  Balanchine the Teacher:  Fundamentals That Shaped the First Generation of New York City Ballet Dancers (2008).  The authors are NYCB stalwarts Una Kai and Barbara Walczak.  I don't recall any discussion here of it; has anyone read it?  The subtitle is compelling.  How does it compare to Suki Schorer on Balanchine Technique (2006)?

I'm happy to be directed to an already-existing thread on it (I really did look for one).

[vrsfanatic]

Thank you for posting this. I have never seen it before. I have just purchased the last two in stock. Hopefully there will be others in the near future.

[kfw]

Thanks for starting the thread, Ray. I look forward to reading what you think of the book, all the more so since you used to dance.

[ViolinConcerto]

For those who are interested in the topic (Balanchine's teachings) thee is also the film, in post - production now, "In Balanchine's Classroom."

Here's the facebook link.

Amazon still has copies of "Balanchine the Teacher."

[bart]

Quote

Amazon still has copies of "Balanchine the Teacher."

Just a reminder that our Amazon box is now at the BOTTOM of each page.  Ballet Alert gets a small percentage of each purchase made through our link.  This helps us remain online.

[Ray]

bart, on 14 December 2011 - 08:44 AM, said:

Quote

Amazon still has copies of "Balanchine the Teacher."

Just a reminder that our Amazon box is now at the BOTTOM of each page.  Ballet Alert gets a small percentage of each purchase made through our link.  This helps us remain online.

Bart if you want (or have the power) to change my link so it comes through BA, feel free to do so.

[bart]

Thanks, Ray.  I see that the link does go directly to the appropriate page,  with my Amazon account attached to it.  I assume that the same would hold for anyone clicking from a pc or phone that Amazon could identify.  Good thing to know.

[Stage Right]

I have read the book. Unfortunately it was some time ago, and I am currently traveling, and the book is sitting at home on the shelf . But I did enjoy the book. It is a much smaller book than Suki Schorer's, and hence does not go into the same sort of detail on each step, etc. As I remember it, it is more of a personal memoir by these two women writing about what they remember of Balanchine's teaching and technique. Definitely worth reading and/or purchasing, IMO.

[vrsfanatic]

I am reading it now. Very enjoyable. It is much of what a remember from my childhood training by a member of Ballet Caravan and Ballet Society. I will write more when I finish the book.