In this episode we hear from Debbie Allen on her relationship with Chita Rivera. Chita originated the role of 'Anita' in West Side Story on Broadway in 1957. In 1980, when West Side Story was revived, Debbie Allen was cast as 'Anita' and she was coached by Chita in the role. The two maintained a close relationship over the ensuing decades as their careers continued to evolve on Broadway, in film, and television. One thing they have in common: blazing a trail for those who come after them!

Additional Resources:

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Chita: A Memoir

In this bonus episode we will hear a previously unreleased 1982 interview between Alexandra Danilova, and 13-year-old School of American Ballet student, Jennifer Fuchs. Jennifer conducted this interview for a school project and has given Immortal Icons of Dance permission to publish it so that everyone can hear this rare audio of Danilova talking about her own life!

Listen to this episode on YouTube for closed captioning

In this episode, former New York City Ballet dancer, John Clifford, tells us about his friendship with the great Russian ballerina, Alexandra Danilova. Madame Danilova (known to friends as "Choura") grew up at the Imperial Ballet School in St. Petersburg Russia, became a soloist Mariinsky ballet, and toured the world as an acclaimed ballerina in many ballet companies including the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. After retiring from the stage, she settled in New York City and became a beloved teacher at the School of American Ballet for 25 years where she taught new generations of dancers how to become a ballerina in the grand sense of the word.

Additional Resources

Footage

Choura: The Memoirs of Alexandra Danilova

In this episode, Diana White, a former NYCB dancer recalls what it was like receiving her early ballet training from Maria Tallchief in Chicago. Diana took the lessons she learned from Maria Tallchief with her when she joined NYCB and as she continues to stage Balanchine works around the world

Additional Resources:

Limited Edition 100 Years of Maria Tallchief Firebird

Footage

Maria's Autobiography

Maria Tallchief Quarter

Maria Tallchief Barbie

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:

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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

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