Sasha Anawalt's "The Joffrey Ballet: Robert Joffrey and the Making of An American Dance Company" offers an intriguing exploration of the renowned ballet company and its founder, Robert Joffrey. With meticulous research and insightful interviews, Anawalt delves into the history and evolution of the Joffrey Ballet, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs that have shaped its identity over the years.
The book presents a rich and vivid portrayal of Robert Joffrey, a choreographic genius who fearlessly pushed the boundaries of ballet. Anawalt delves into his creative process and the obstacles he encountered in establishing a distinctively American dance style. She also delves into the personal and professional relationships that influenced Joffrey's work, most notably his collaboration with Gerald Arpino, a pivotal figure in the company's success.
One of the strengths of Anawalt's work is her ability to capture the essence of the Joffrey Ballet's performances. Through descriptive passages and insightful analysis, she allows readers to fully appreciate the artistry and innovation behind the choreography. Furthermore, Anawalt highlights the Joffrey Ballet's significant contributions to the cultural landscape, particularly in terms of diversifying a traditionally Eurocentric art form.
Available on Audible
Another compelling aspect of the book is Anawalt's exploration of the Joffrey Ballet's impact on dance education in America. She provides a detailed account of the establishment and development of the Joffrey Ballet School, showcasing its pivotal role in training future generations of dancers. Anawalt also delves into the challenges and triumphs of simultaneously maintaining a dance company and a school, highlighting the dedication and passion required.
In summary, "The Joffrey Ballet: Robert Joffrey and the Making of An American Dance Company" is an engaging and informative read for anyone interested in the history of ballet or the remarkable journey of the Joffrey Ballet. Anawalt's thorough research and captivating storytelling bring to life the vision and legacy of Robert Joffrey, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the company's lasting impact on American dance.
What are readers saying?
"The Joffrey Ballet: Robert Joffrey and the Making of An American Dance Company" by Sasha Anawalt has garnered praise from readers for its thorough research and compelling storytelling. Anawalt's book provides a deep dive into the history and formation of The Joffrey Ballet, with a particular emphasis on the company's founder and artistic director, Robert Joffrey. Readers found the book to be captivating, offering a comprehensive understanding of the company's evolution.
Many readers appreciated the inclusion of interviews and personal anecdotes, finding them to be insightful and providing a behind-the-scenes look into the world of ballet. Anawalt's ability to bring the dancers' experiences to life was commended, allowing readers to develop a deeper appreciation for the art form.
The book was also praised for its balanced portrayal of Robert Joffrey, with readers noting that Anawalt did not shy away from the more controversial aspects of his life. This added depth and authenticity to the narrative, and readers appreciated the author's objective approach in showcasing both Joffrey's successes and failures.
Readers found the book inspiring, as it depicted the resilience and determination required to establish a successful ballet company. They were fascinated by the challenges faced by The Joffrey Ballet in its early years and admired the dedication of both Joffrey and the dancers in overcoming them.
One critique raised by some readers was the lack of visual elements such as photographs or illustrations. While Anawalt's descriptive writing painted vivid pictures, the inclusion of visuals would have enhanced the reading experience and helped readers better visualize the performances and individuals discussed in the book.
#TheJoffreyBallet #BalletLove #BookwormsDelight