Mikhail baryshnikov dance biography books

Judith Jamison is, in every sense, a towering figure. Her commanding physical presence, elegant manner, and extraordinary technique have made her not only a true superstar of American dance and an historic innovator in her field, but also a beacon of inspiration to African-Americans, to women, and to people of all origins around the world.

Dancing Spirit presents this phenomenal woman's story in her own direct and uncompromising voice: her early years in Philadelphia, where she began studying dance at the age of six; her discovery by Agnes de Mille, who gave her her first professional role in The Four Marys; years of frustration and struggle in a field that favored petite, fair, white women; her legendary collaboration with Alvin Ailey, reaching its apogee with the landmark solo piece Cry; global success and fame with the Ailey company, touring the United States, Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa; performing on Broadway in the musical Soph