The Immortal Icons of Dance Podcast celebrates dancers of the past. Each week we will interview a guest who worked with one of the great dancers of the 20th cen...
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:FootageChita: A Memoir
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BONUS Alexandra Danilova with Jennifer Fuchs Nathanson
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
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Ep. 19 John Clifford on Alexandra Danilova
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 ResourcesFootageChoura: The Memoirs of Alexandra Danilova
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Ep. 18 Diana White on Maria Tallchief
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
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Ep. 17 Nancy Reynolds on Balanchine's Legacy
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
The Immortal Icons of Dance Podcast celebrates dancers of the past. Each week we will interview a guest who worked with one of the great dancers of the 20th century. We collect oral histories of their experiences and memories so that future generations can continue to learn from the icons who have become immortal through the legacy they left behind.
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