Nureyev [Hardcover]

Valeria Crippa (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 7, 2003

One of the most accomplished names in dance, Nureyev was known for his leaps and fast turns that mesmerized the audience. A charismatic performer and personality, he is credited for expanding the audience for ballet. For the first time, photographer Ralph Fase will offer his intimate images of the famed dancer taken in Paris from 1974-1982.

As chronicled as his career was, these photographs have never been published. Taken on and off the stage, they offer a personal glimpse of the dancer during the most successful years of his career. The book is organized by ballet, offering Nureyev fans specific focus and ballet fans more general ballet history.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Published to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Rudolf Nureyev's death, this photo book-cum-memoir celebrates the achievements and personality of one of the 20th century's greatest dancers. Crippa, who worked as Nureyev's personal tour manager and now writes culture and lifestyle pieces for Italy's Correre della Serra, provides the book's rambling, idiosyncratic text. Nureyev's love of rare steak, his friendship with prima ballerina Margot Fonteyn, his sudden flashes of temper, his dedication to his art, and his defection from Communist Russia (which was stifling his artistic ambitions) all find their place in her narrative, but readers who are not already familiar with the world of classical ballet may have trouble following some of her allusions. Fassey's photographs, in contrast, need no explanations. Shot mostly in black and white, the pictures provide a window on the dancer's backstage life. There are images of him applying make-up in his dressing room and stretching during rehearsals. (There are several photos of him in performance as well.) A good choice for fans already familiar with the outlines of Nureyev's life, this book provides a more intimate view of the dancer.
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About the Author

Valeria Crippa is a noted Italian journalist and writer. She is the dance critic for Corriere della Sera.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Rizzoli (December 7, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0847825442
• ISBN-13: 978-0847825448
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 10 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.1 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,612,588 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #95 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Arts & Literature > Dancers