Ghost Dance

by WRIGHT DOUGLAS

Part memoir, part love story, this title has descriptive touches and creative and intellectual depth.

Genres: Nonfiction

290 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[FloJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first heard this read by Douglas Wright himself on the radio. He has a breathless delivery and it was fascinating. My occupation means that from time to time I use tools that make a noise so I missed bits, and had to get the book out from the library and read it. It is a fascinating read. I am not sure if it was because I had already heard the audio version, but it seems to be written in a breathless manner also.
Douglas is a New Zealander and a dancer. He had a difficult childhood, and dancing was what saved him late in the piece. He was accepted into a famous dance troupe in New York against stiff competition and a lot of this book is to do with his time there and the gay scene. Eyebrow raising experiences in Bath Houses with married men etc. He ended up with HIV but still works as a choreographer. It is sad and uplifting at the same time and I recommend it.

[Elena Verity · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slightly scattered memoir but many moments of beautiful prose - particularly when writing about NZ scenes and, ofc, dance.

[keira haig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a gem holy moly. I’m gonna go read Malcom Ross’ 1971 elam thesis now brb.

I think this story will stay with me for a long time. love the un consecutive memoir format wowee