Choura: The Memoirs of Alexandra Danilova [Hardcover]

Alexandra Danilova (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

One of the last major ballerinas in Diaghilev's Ballets Russes, Danilova presents an "enchanting" autobiography, PW said. She writes of her upbringing in Tsarist Russia, her training and roles, and her many famous friends, including her first lover, Balanchine. Photos.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Danilova, ballerina and teacher with a long, distinguished career, never achieved the status of Pavlova or Fonteyn; her lifededicated to her artis all the more inspiring because of that. Orphaned at an early age, Danilova received her training at the Maryinsky School in St. Petersburg. Her commitment to dance led her to Europe and the United Statesan itinerant and at times insecure lifestyle. She was a popular favorite when she performed with the Ballets Russes and the Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo. Danilova has a critical eye and excellent memory; her comments on her personal and working relationships with Diaghilev, Balanchine, Massine, et al. are analytical, informative, and rarely gossipy. In the final chapter she discusses the teaching methods she uses at the School of American Ballet. An enjoyable remembrance. Joan Stahl, Enoch Pratt Free Lib., Baltimore
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 213 pages
• Publisher: Knopf; 1st edition (December 12, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0394505395
• ISBN-13: 978-0394505398
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,157,822 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging, genuine and informative in the dancer's own voice, April 5, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Choura: The Memoirs of Alexandra Danilova (Paperback)

Alexanda Danilova's accounts of her life as a ballerina is full of charming details, from her early life as an orphan attending the Maryinsky Theater school to her career with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and afterward. The penultimate chapter describing her teaching philosophy is worth many times the price of the book. It should serve as a manifesto for ballet teachers and coaches everywhere.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brought the house down!, June 15, 2002

By 

DancingDoll (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Choura: The Memoirs of Alexandra Danilova (Hardcover)

I cannot describe how much I enjoyed this book. Danilova speaks with such warmth and dignity. I felt like I was truly experiencing life with her and I could almost hear the audience come to their feet as she took her final bows. Truly inspiring! Fantastic!