A ballet legend tells how she dedicated herself to recovery and to her dance students to make an amazing career comeback after a battle with drug addiction. By the author of Dancing on My Grave. Reprint. AB. PW.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
In their second book, ballerina Kirkland ( Dancing on My Grave ) and her husband will surprise their followers. Though in the earlier work she was a vocal rebel from the strictures of classical dance--Kirkland argued, often with eloquent ferocity, that ballet in America is a hopelessly skewed and exploitative calling--here she seems to make a dogged peace with herself and her peers. Set in London of 1986, where she was rehearsing her acclaimed comeback in Romeo and Juliet with the Royal Ballet, the sequel allows the authors to expound at length on Kirkland's evolving ideas on how to think about dance, as well as how to dance. We are privy to studio sweat and the banter of a happy marriage, the play of backstage personalities and the inevitable intensity that accompanies creation. The power of Kirkland's obsession is difficult to resist, though its purview is intentionally selective--hardly a hint of gossip or scandal attends this chronicle, unlike its angry predecessor. A spellbound maverick, Kirkland still has plenty to say--and says it memorably.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
YA-- Kirkland continues her autobiography begun in Dancing on My Grave (Doubleday, 1986). Recovered from her cocaine addiction and newly married to Greg Lawrence, she goes to London for a starring role in the Royal Ballet's production of Romeo and Juliet. Partnered by long-time friend Anthony Dowell, Kirkland's Juliet receives rave reviews but an injury cuts short her season. She turns to teaching , trying to convey to students her intense analytical approach that emphasizes the importance of understanding the ballet's character and motivation that must be then translated through the dancer's body and choreography. Although less gossipy than the previous book, this will appeal to aspiring ballerinas and fans. Black-and-white photos of Kirkland help get her approach across.
- Diana C. Hirsch, Prince George's County Memorial Library System, MD
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
- Diana C. Hirsch, Prince George's County Memorial Library System, MD
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
More About the Authors
Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.
Customer Reviews
|
Share your thoughts with other customers:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Happy ending at last,
This review is from: Shape of Love (Paperback)
This book is a continuation of the first autobiography by Gelsey Kirkland. It tells about her starting back up in dancing and winning her final aclaim for her career before finding out what she has to give to the new young generations of dancers. This book is full of Gelsey's wonderful insights and methods of working on ballets, and I am sorry that it is out of print. I recommend it to dancers and autobiography readers. It is rare that you see a star find true happiness in the course of their life.
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Better than "Dancing On My Grave",
By Kimberly Seibel (Georgia, USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Shape of Love (Paperback)
This book goes beyond "Dancing On My Grave" and extends the "happy ending." Gelsey describes her experiences with teaching. The best part was when she takes you through the rehearsals and performances of Romeo and Juliet. She describes how she develops the character, and makes the character come alive. I loved this book!
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This book stirred my heart...,
By AngieD372@aol.com (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Shape of Love (Paperback)
Kirkland's moving and in depth sequel to "Dancing on my Grave" is wonderful. She uses her experiences and struggles to find meaning and life in her dancing. From one who has been classically trained in ballet, but never been taught to feel emotion or a character, I am forever grateful to Ms. Kirkland for opening her life and sharing it with me. Please, if you dance, read this book!
Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
|
|
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Tags Customers Associate with This Product(What's this?)Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.
|
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
Listmania!
|
|
