In the Wings: Behind the Scenes at the New York City Ballet (Hardcover)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: Square Dance, George Balanchine, Peter Martins (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

An 11-year veteran dancer for the New York City Ballet, Froman here documents life in the corps de ballet in a photo-album an diarylike format. Presenting a day in the life of dancers, he takes readers through the stages of warming up, class, physical therapy, rehearsals, preparation, and, or course, the show. Froman confides, “I can hear the sound of cracking hips and knees. It’s just the beginning of another day of rehearsals with the show looming at eight o’clock.” He communicates the intimate perspective of an experienced dancer (“I just wasn’t expecting to feel so old this quickly”) while offering a private backstage view. His vivid descriptions and photos submerge readers into the atmosphere. An engaging point of view and an attractive layout make this an entertaining read. YA’s may also find it a good introduction to the dance world as a possible career. Recommended for all libraries.—Barbara Kundanis, Longmont P.L., CO (Library Journal, January 2008)

"Kyle Froman brings his stage experience to life in his beautifully photographed new book" (Vanity Fair, November 2007)

Product Description

"Here is New York City Ballet as it really is- the good, the not so good, and the majestically beautiful. It's a true story, and it's told by someone who can honestly claim that he was there."

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Wiley (October 12, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470173432
• ISBN-13: 978-0470173435
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #66,077 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #6 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Performing Arts > Dance > Classical
  #11 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Performing Arts > Dance > Ballet
  #12 in	Books > Entertainment > Sheet Music & Scores > Forms & Genres > Ballet & Dance

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully photographed and written!, October 18, 2007

By	James Dean (New York) - See all my reviews

Finally a book has been put together showing the daily grind of what dancers go through. The book unfolds like a typical day when New York City Ballet is in performance season, and follows the dancers from morning class, through physical therapy, into the rehearsal studios, and finally onto the stage. It is amazing to see the human beings behind the images of perfection onstage. The reader feels a combination of exhaustion and exhilaration as the backstage life is juxtaposed with the breathtaking beauty that culminates in the performance. Definately a book for anyone interested in the arts, photography, or athletes. Won't disappoint.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars drawing back the curtain..., October 18, 2007

By	ebmanhattan "eb" (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

If you've ever wanted to get a true behind the scenes view of one of the world's greatest ballet companies this is it. kyle's unique perspective and access is a revelation. from class to performance you will get a backstage pass and get to know the dancers in the most intimate way possible. i highly recommend this book for dance aficionados and 'beginners' alike.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic book in every way., October 18, 2007

By	Mark Halperin "dance fan" (New York City) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you like great photography, beautiful writing, or dance, this is a book you have to buy. If you like all three, you are in great luck. Every page is a treasure. The moment I saw it in the store, I realized how lucky I was to find it. If you are a fan of the New York City Ballet, or just dream about it, you will feel you are truly part of the experience of one of America's great institutions. This is also the kind of book you can give to everyone on your holiday list and be confident they will love it -- classy, fun, and wonderful to have.