New biography of Janet Collins: "Night's Dancer"

[Alexandra]

I just got this today, so haven't had time to read it, obviously, but it looks very interesting. Janet Collins was an important dancer, and one of the very few African Americans to have a real career, dancing at the Metropolitan Opera. Its based on an unpublished memoir by Collins of her early years -- her training, and her rejections by major companies. Historian Yaël Tamar Lewin finished the story.

Here's a link with more info, from Wesleyan University Press's site:

http://www.upne.com/0819571144.html

[dirac]

I'm embarrassed to admit the name didn't immediately ring a bell with me. Thanks for the heads up.

[ViolinConcerto]

Here's a link to a review in the Amsterdam News (New York)

[sandik]

This is excellent news -- Collins was a major figure of that generation, and a great trailblazer. I'm so glad that someone is writing a biography while the details are still fresh in some people's memories.