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A review by luluwoohoo
Ballet Confidential: A Personal Behind-the-scenes Guide by David McAllister
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
3.0
Ballet Confidential by David McAllister
☀️☀️☀️
This detailed behind-the-scenes look at the world of ballet doesn't leave a stone unturned when it comes to painting a picture of life within the world of dancing. McAllister is one of Australia's greatest ballet triumphs both as a dancer and artistic director, and his wealth of experience and knowledge was evident throughout this book.
I enjoyed learning historical insights such as Anna Pavlova initially being dubbed too thin and weak for ballet, and how the first version of Swan Lake was panned by critics. I also appreciated David's personal stories - both good and bad - and without these anecdotes the book would closer resemble a textbook. There are certainly sections that cater towards the uninitiated and some of these I must admit I skimmed, but that shouldn't deter those who find the finer details interesting.
For anyone interested in ballet history, the army it takes to put on a show, or simply wants to know about how guys protect their junk while performing, this book has it all! It was a quick fun read.
"The reason dancers train for so long and are forever striving for continuous learning and refinement is to ensure that each night when the curtain goes up they make the impossible look effortless."
☀️☀️☀️
This detailed behind-the-scenes look at the world of ballet doesn't leave a stone unturned when it comes to painting a picture of life within the world of dancing. McAllister is one of Australia's greatest ballet triumphs both as a dancer and artistic director, and his wealth of experience and knowledge was evident throughout this book.
I enjoyed learning historical insights such as Anna Pavlova initially being dubbed too thin and weak for ballet, and how the first version of Swan Lake was panned by critics. I also appreciated David's personal stories - both good and bad - and without these anecdotes the book would closer resemble a textbook. There are certainly sections that cater towards the uninitiated and some of these I must admit I skimmed, but that shouldn't deter those who find the finer details interesting.
For anyone interested in ballet history, the army it takes to put on a show, or simply wants to know about how guys protect their junk while performing, this book has it all! It was a quick fun read.
"The reason dancers train for so long and are forever striving for continuous learning and refinement is to ensure that each night when the curtain goes up they make the impossible look effortless."