Alicia Graf Mack is the face of Alvin Ailey American Dance. Alicia joins me in the studio to talk about the back injury that is currently threatening to end her career. We also have a candid conversation about race in ballet, and the lack of women in executive roles in dance.

Damian Woetzel is the Artistic Director for the Vail International Dance Festival. Each year, this innovative festival presents a diverse offering of dance in a truly unique setting. On this episode, we discuss some of the finer points of the festival. Specifically, serial collaborations, new works, debuts, community work and arts education.   

Victoria Simon was a soloist with the New York City Ballet. Toward the end of her career, George Balanchine selected her to stage his ballets around the world. On this episode, my curiosity takes us behind the scenes of the process and responsibility of staging Mr. Balanchine's work.

Carol Sumner was a soloist with the New York City Ballet from 1958 to 1978. Under the direction of George Balanchine, she danced principal roles in Concerto Barocco, Divertimento No. 15, Agon, Western Symphony and The Nutcracker.

I've found the relationships between Mr. B and his dancers to be fascinating, and often complex. In this case, it's very sweet. Ms. Sumner was moved to tears when she recalled his final days and ultimate passing. I appreciate her candid nature. 

If you'd like to see images of Ms. Sumner from this period, go here while you listen.

http://artsmeme.com/2012/01/25/what-makes-a-balanchine-ballerina-meet-carol-sumner/

Ms. Govrin was a soloist with New York City Ballet for 15 years under George Balanchine. Today, she's a renowned teacher and the Artistic Director of Eastern Connecticut Ballet. In our conversation, she shares her life as a dancer and gives fascinating first hand insight into the legend of Mr. B. 

Nancy Buirski is the Director of "Afternoon of a Faun: Tanaquil le Clercq". I should admit, I fell in love with 'Tanny' through photographs over decade ago. So, to see her move on screen truly deepened my intrigue/ crush.

This is a universal story of struggle and change. I feel that her story will appeal to more than our dance community. It's beautiful. Really well done, Ms. Buirski. Thank you.   

Wendy Perron is the author of, "Through the Eyes of a Dancer". Wendy also serves as the Editor at Large for Dance Magazine.

Strangely, there were some gremlins at work in the phone line on this day! However, we managed to push through and together shared an informative look at the world of dancer during her celebrated career. Enjoy.

This is part two of my interview with Wendy Perron.

Ms. Watts was an established Balanchine dancer. Her career and place in history is very significant. Frankly, I was a little nervous dialing the phone on this one. After all, this is Heather Watts! However, it took less than 30 seconds for that feeling to fade once we connected. I really like Heather Watts. I love her honesty. I love her stories of Mr. B, and I also admire how candid she was when she discusses her story.

It's safe to say, this was an easy conversation. In fact, we spent over two hours talking about art and life. Because of the length, I thought it would be wise to make break the conversation down and present it in two parts. Enjoy.