In This Edition:

-Podcast with Karen Valby, author of Swans of Harlem

-A few book recs

With the approaching slow slog of August upon us, it’s a perfect moment to catch up on the books we’ve been meaning to read.

Here are a couple that I really can’t recommend enough and one to look forward to.

Swans of Harlem by Karen Valby

About (and partly by) the founding dancers of Dance Theater of Harlem, whose stories—until this book was created—were mostly, and incredulously, forgotten. I’ve also included an interview I did last year with the author that I think you’ll enjoy quite a bit.

Apollo’s Angels by Jennifer Homans

The most phenomenally researched and written ballet history book of all time, truly the GOAT all things considered. It’s not just for dance lovers either, if you like history and fascinating inspired writing this is for you. And if you are a dancer, you can’t consider your education complete if you haven’t read this.

COMING SOON! Martha Graham 100 Years by Ken Browar & Deborah Ory

Coming out in October is another gorgeous photo book by NYC Dance Project! I love their work, it’s a visual feast and a fun way to get to know dancers and dances.

Starting with Swan Lake in August, I’m going to start doing monthly Q&A lives and deep dives that are for subscribers. It’s always a lot of fun and we can get into things in a way that’s hard to do in prerecorded vids. However there will still be loads of free content, articles, reviews podcasts etc, this is in addition to not instead of:). Details coming in another email.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedancelens.substack.com