A unique memoir about ballet, World War II, and a peerless group of dancers, this is an irresistible read for all ballet lovers
Gillian Lynne is one of the world's preeminent choreographers, but she started her career as a ballerina, learning to dance alongside Margot Fonteyn during World War II, and here is the story of her extraordinary childhood. From Miss Madeleine Sharp's Ballet Class for Young Ladies in Bromley to being evacuated with her theater school to a crumbling pile in rural Leicestershire, and from performing in the West End with doodlebugs falling to touring a devastated Europe to entertain the troops, the early years were hard, exciting, and dramatic. And when the call came to join Sadler's Wellswell, what ballerina hopeful could have asked for more? An irresistible mix of wartime nostalgia and the story of a leading ballerina's hard-won path to success, this is the perfect read for all ballet lovers, and is illustrated throughout with exquisitely charming black-and-white photos, programs, and keepsakes.
A unique memoir about ballet, the second world war and a peerless group of dancers; an irresistible read for all ballet lovers.
Gillian Lynne is one of the world's pre-eminent choreographers, but she started her career as a ballerina, learning to dance alongside Margot Fonteyn during the Second World War.
A Dancer in Wartime tells the story of Gillian's extraordinary childhood. From Miss Madeleine Sharp's Ballet Class for Young Ladies in Bromley to being evacuated with her theatre school to a crumbling pile in rural Leicestershire; from performing in the West End with doodlebugs falling to touring a devastated Europe to entertain the troops, the early years were hard, exciting and dramatic. And when the call came to join Sadler's Wells -- well, what ballerina hopeful could have asked for more?
Recenzijas
Gillian's journey through dance is a story of passion and devotion that should be read by everyone, not just dance lovers -- Arlene Phillips A beautiful tale of heartbreak, talent, determination and star quality * Daily Mail * Wonderfully nostalgic and magical * Easy Living * A charming and affecting memoir * Sunday Express, Books of the Year * An extraordinary tale -- Sarah Crompton * Daily Telegraph * From the Blitz to Sadler's Wells, this is a charming portrait of passion and dedication, set against the difficulties of war * Woman & Home * A captivating story beautifully told ... and what an inspiration for anyone who dreams of a life on the stage -- Cat Deeley Dance historians will be as charmed by this sidelight on dance as ambitious girls will be inspired by Lynne's description of the dancer's life as an amalgam of "the Impossible and the Spiritual all wrapped up with a ribbon of passion -- Iain Finlayson * The Times * Sincere and unpretentious... She paints [ ...] a picture of austerity Britain in which ballet was a supremely glamorous career path. -- Rupert Christiansen * Literary Review * A charming and moving portrait of a wartime childhood and an extraordinary account of what it takes to make it on stage ... I couldn't put it down -- Elaine Paige
Papildus informācija
An irresistible memoir about a young girl's hard-won path to success as a dancer during the Second World War
Gillian Lynne is a British ballerina, dancer, actor, theatre director, television director and choreographer, best known for her iconic choreography of Cats and The Phantom of the Opera. She was born in Bromley, Kent, in 1926. At the age of ten she won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dancing, after which she joined the Cone Ripman School before being selected to join Molly Lakes Ballet Guild and Ninette de Valoiss Sadlers Wells. As part of what would soon become the Royal Ballet, she was renowned for her portrayal of the Black Queen in de Valoiss Checkmate, Queen of the Wilis in Giselle, the Lilac Fairy in The Sleeping Beauty and in roles created for her by Frederick Ashton and Robert Helpmann. Her film, television and stage credits include many long-running West End and Broadway shows, productions for the Royal Shakespeare Company, the English National Opera and The Muppets. She continues to produce television, film and stage productions and lives in London. A Dancer in Wartime was shortlisted for the Society for Theatre Researchs Theatre Book Prize.
Biežāk uzdotie jautājumi par e-grāmatām