B Plus: Dancing for Mikhail Baryshnikov at American Ballet Theatre: A Memoir - Hardcover
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Behind-the-Scenes Memoir of Life in American Ballet Theatre's Corps de Ballet
B Plus: Dancing for Mikhail Baryshnikov at American Ballet Theatre offers an unfiltered look at professional ballet from the perspective of a corps de ballet dancer who reached the top of his profession. Michael Langlois chronicles his sixteen years as a professional dancer, including six years performing at American Ballet Theatre under the direction of Mikhail Baryshnikov.
From North Carolina to the Metropolitan Opera House
Michael Langlois began studying ballet at age ten, initially viewing it as a path to the NFL. After training at the North Carolina School of the Arts and the School of American Ballet in New York, he was offered a position at American Ballet Theatre by Mikhail Baryshnikov himself—the foremost dancer of the 20th century.
This memoir documents his journey from a small local studio to performing on the world's most prestigious stages, including roles at San Francisco Opera's production of Death in Venice at age eighteen, ATER Balleto in Reggio Emila, Italy, Ballet du Nord in France, and Feld Ballet in New York.
An Honest Perspective on Professional Dance
Rather than presenting a romanticized view of ballet, Langlois provides an intimate account of the realities facing corps de ballet dancers. He explores the challenges of performing as toy soldiers and peasants while surrounded by dancers whose talents and ambitions often exceeded his own. The memoir addresses the personal struggles of maintaining relationships, managing expectations from a world-famous director, and navigating the physical demands of professional ballet.
After sixteen years as a professional dancer, Langlois reflects on what makes ballet uniquely compelling: "What makes ballet so intensely satisfying and beautiful to me is that it is so spare. There are no props. There are no instruments that have to be manipulated. It is just the dancer at that moment, and whoever they are and whatever they are capable of doing exists then and only then."
A Valuable Resource for Dance Students and Enthusiasts
This hardcover memoir serves as both an educational resource for aspiring dancers and a compelling read for ballet enthusiasts interested in the inner workings of major dance companies. Since 2004, Langlois has contributed regularly to Ballet Review, bringing his insider perspective to dance criticism and commentary.
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Author
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Behind-the-Scenes Memoir of Life in American Ballet Theatre's Corps de Ballet
B Plus: Dancing for Mikhail Baryshnikov at American Ballet Theatre offers an unfiltered look at professional ballet from the perspective of a corps de ballet dancer who reached the top of his profession. Michael Langlois chronicles his sixteen years as a professional dancer, including six years performing at American Ballet Theatre under the direction of Mikhail Baryshnikov.
From North Carolina to the Metropolitan Opera House
Michael Langlois began studying ballet at age ten, initially viewing it as a path to the NFL. After training at the North Carolina School of the Arts and the School of American Ballet in New York, he was offered a position at American Ballet Theatre by Mikhail Baryshnikov himself—the foremost dancer of the 20th century.
This memoir documents his journey from a small local studio to performing on the world's most prestigious stages, including roles at San Francisco Opera's production of Death in Venice at age eighteen, ATER Balleto in Reggio Emila, Italy, Ballet du Nord in France, and Feld Ballet in New York.
An Honest Perspective on Professional Dance
Rather than presenting a romanticized view of ballet, Langlois provides an intimate account of the realities facing corps de ballet dancers. He explores the challenges of performing as toy soldiers and peasants while surrounded by dancers whose talents and ambitions often exceeded his own. The memoir addresses the personal struggles of maintaining relationships, managing expectations from a world-famous director, and navigating the physical demands of professional ballet.
After sixteen years as a professional dancer, Langlois reflects on what makes ballet uniquely compelling: "What makes ballet so intensely satisfying and beautiful to me is that it is so spare. There are no props. There are no instruments that have to be manipulated. It is just the dancer at that moment, and whoever they are and whatever they are capable of doing exists then and only then."
A Valuable Resource for Dance Students and Enthusiasts
This hardcover memoir serves as both an educational resource for aspiring dancers and a compelling read for ballet enthusiasts interested in the inner workings of major dance companies. Since 2004, Langlois has contributed regularly to Ballet Review, bringing his insider perspective to dance criticism and commentary.
Contributor(s)
Author