In this episode we speak with author and dance researcher Nancy Reynolds on her lifetime of work preserving the work of George Balanchine. Nancy attended the School of American Ballet was a member of the New York City Ballet for 4 years, after which she became an editor and author. Her first book, "Repertory in Review: 40 Years of the New York City Ballet," an invaluable resource for generations for dance researchers.

Additional Resources:

Footage

Balanchine Foundation Video Archive

Repertory in Review Book

Remembering Lincoln

In this episode, Jean-Pierre Frohlich discusses his 60+ year history with Balanchine's Nutcracker at the New York City Ballet. Jean-Pierre performed the children's role of Fritz at New York City Center, and was the first Prince when NYCB moved to Lincoln Center in 1964. He danced most of the adult roles in the ballet during his time as a company member, and since 1990 he has been a ballet master and repertory director at NYCB, coaching the subsequent generations of dancers in the Nutcracker.

In this episode we get 2 interviews! The episode focuses on the legendary Broadway and ballet photographer, Martha Swope, who helped to immortalized so many hundreds of performers and productions with her images. Delia Peters, a former NYCB dancer and close friend of Martha's, talks about their friendship. Carol Rosegg, a protege of Martha's who is now an preeminent theater photographer, talks about what she learned from Martha as a young photographer in New York.

Additional Resources:

Reference Footage

Playbill Article 

New York Times Article 

The Nutcracker: The Story of the New York City Ballet's Production Told in Pictures

Baryshnikov on Broadway: Photographs

Mourka: The Autobiography of a Cat

In this episode, composer David K. Israel takes us inside his collaboration with the modern dance choreographer Paul Taylor. David shares stories about Paul's artistry in the studio and his quirks as a neighbor!

Additional Resources

Related Footage

Private Domain- Paul Taylor Autobiography

Interview with David K. Israel

Why I Make Dances - Essay by Paul Taylor

In this episode, Theara discusses her early career in the Dance Theatre of Harlem under Arthur Mitchell and how that experience prepared her for future opportunities as a performer on Broadway, a teacher, and a leader.

Additional Resources:

Theara Footage

Arthur Mitchell Sweatshirt

In this episode we learn about the New York State Theater and the New York City Ballet from a new perspective: backstage! Perry Silvey worked at the theater for over 40 years in many positions, including stage manager and technical director. He began working there during the last 7 years of Balanchine’s life, and during the last 22 years of Robbins’ life. Perry recounts his favorite memories of calling the light cues for ballets like Glass Pieces, managing the specificity of Duo Concertant, and the joys and trials of Nutcracker.

Additional Resources:

New York State Theater History

Perry Silvey in the New York Times

Watch this episode on YouTube

In this episode, 87 year-old Balanchine ballerina, Allegra Kent, sits down to talk about her life and career. Beginning with her childhood in California and her teenage years at the School of American Ballet. She also shares memories of iconic ballets she performed including Agon, Seven Deadly Sins, Symphony in C, La Sonnambula, The Cage, Bugaku, and Apollo.

Additional Resources:

Reference Footage

Allegra Kent Sweatshirt

Allegra Kent Ornament

Allegra Kent's Book

For the finale of the first season of Immortal Icons of Dance, we talked to Patricia Ward Kelly about her late husband, Gene Kelly. Star of stage and screen, we learn that Gene wanted to be remembered for his choreography and film direction. We also find out what dance sequences he was most proud of, and Patricia busts some myths that have circulated about Gene.

Additional Resources:

Reference Footage

Singin' in the Rain

Invitation to the Dance

Gene Kelly Ultimate Pack

⁠Immortal Icons of Dance Books, Shirts, and Ornaments

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In this episode, Jacqulyn Buglisi, artistic director of Buglisi Dance Theatre, recounts her time as a student of Martha Graham and her 12 years as principal dancer in the Martha Graham Dance Company. Martha Graham was a titan of 20th century dance, hailed by TIME magazine as "Dancer of the Century" in 1998. She choreographed 181 ballets during her lifetime—including "Tangled Night" which was created on Jacqulyn Buglisi.

Additional Resources

Reference Footage

Blood Memory: An Autobiography by Martha Graham

Deep Song: The Dance Story of Martha Graham

Martha Graham: When Dance Became Modern

Immortal Icons of Dance Holiday Gifts

Disclaimer: Some of the links are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through this link and finalize a purchase.

In this episode, Dylis Croman tells us about being mentored by Ann Reinking throughout her career. Dylis was 14 when she first met Ann, and it was because of Ann that she made her Broadway debut in "Fosse" in her early twenties. Now Dylis carries Ann's legacy forward, especially anytime she steps on stage as Roxie Hart in "Chicago" on Broadway.

Additional Resources:

Reference Footage

All That Jazz (1979)

Annie (1982)

Ann Reinking Shirt

All That Jazz Sweatshirt

Disclaimer: Some of the links are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through this link and finalize a purchase.