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A Body of Work: Dancing to the Edge and Back
David Hallberg, the first American to join the famed Bolshoi Ballet as a principal dancer and the dazzling artist The New Yorker described as “the most exciting male dancer in the western world,” presents a look at his artistic life—up to the moment he returns to the stage after a devastating injury that almost cost him his career.Beginning with his real-life Billy Elliot childhood—an all-American story marred by intense bullying—and culminating in his hard-won comeback, Hallberg’s “moving and intelligent” (Daniel Mendelsohn) memoir dives deep into life as an artist as he wrestles with ego, pushes the limits of his body, and searches for ecstatic perfection and fulfillment as one of the world’s most acclaimed ballet dancers.Rich in detail ballet fans will adore, Hallberg presents an “unsparing…inside look” (The New York Times) and also reflects on universal and relatable themes like inspiration, self-doubt, and perfectionism as he takes you into daily classes, rigorous rehearsals, and triumphant performances, searching for new interpretations of ballet’s greatest roles. He reveals the loneliness he felt as a teenager leaving America to join the Paris Opera Ballet School, the ambition he had to tame as a new member of American Ballet Theatre, and the reasons behind his headline-grabbing decision to be the first American to join the top rank of Bolshoi Ballet, tendered by the Artistic Director who would later be the victim of a vicious acid attack. Then, as Hallberg performed throughout the world at the peak of his abilities, he suffered a crippling ankle injury and botched surgery leading to an agonizing retreat from ballet and an honest reexamination of his entire life.Combining his powers of observation and memory with emotional honesty and artistic insight, Hallberg has written a great ballet memoir and an intimate portrait of an artist in all his vulnerability, passion, and wisdom. “Candid and engrossing” (The Washington Post), A Body of Work is a memoir “for everyone with a heart” (DC Metro Theater Arts).
433 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
October 31, 2017
A wonderfully written work about a life of ballet by David Hallberg who shares his life dedicated to dance. The book begins with him at a point where his career is in flux because of an injury and he doesn't know what will happen or if he will ever dance again. It goes back to his beginning, his early days of learning dance. Being bullied all through school. He eventually grows up to become a principal dancer for the American Ballet Theater, dancing all over the world. Then he went on to also dance with the Bolshoi Ballet in Russia. He pushes his limits by scheduling ballets with both companies and stretches himself too far with even more until finally, he has the injury that takes him out of the game. It's very introspective and at times moving. I found it inspiring. An ARC was provided by NetGalley for an unbiased review.
April 13, 2019
Many thanks to Goodreads friend Margot (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...) for bringing this memoir to my attention and encouraging me to read it. It’s a fascinating “body of work.”
The over-arching narrative is of the author’s rise to ballet stardom, fall—due to injury and ill-advised surgery—into the slough of despond, and return, via a lengthy period of physiotherapy at the Australian Ballet School in Melbourne, to performing with the American Ballet Theater on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera House in New York.
For me, however, the most interesting aspect of Hallberg’s memoir was his detailed descriptions of what it is really like to be a ballet dancer. He is particularly good on the highs:
All dancers strive to appear perfect; the notion that perfection is attainable, that ingrained habit of seeing yourself in a virtual mirror wherever you are, stays with you long after you stop dancing. As Hallberg writes: “I was attracted to the idea of perfection, to the fact that there are precise ways to execute every turn, jump, and step. I savored the nonnegotiable structure of the work.” And yet, as he observes, a good dancer must embody a role rather than just execute it. “Being ‘perfect’ can drain your dancing of the force and fire that makes art expressive. Steps are not art. Technique is not art. What you do with them becomes art.”
Hallberg is good at finding just the right words to describe ballet: from the “meditation of barre, this daily series that we execute throughout our entire careers,” to the way a new ballet is created in the studio with a choreographer working closely with dancers: Alexei Ratmansky “sees what is possible, what can successfully translate from his imagination to actual dancing. But also what cannot.”
As a young dancer, Hallberg struggles to partner a ballerina: he needs to learn “the strength to lift her, the right, courtly way to touch her.” His descriptions of dancing with partners with whom the chemistry was right are deeply moving—above all, the Bolshoi-trained Natalia Osipova (“the movement of her arms came from her back, finishing with soft, unforced hands and fingers. The quality of movement wasn’t academic…it was about release, pure emotion originating from the core of her body and extending outward, in all directions.”) Hallberg is able to describe their first Giselle so well that one can really feel how Osipova’s consummate artistry was “a revelation and an awakening” for him. “Following that performance with Natasha, I understood more deeply than ever before why I dance: for those transcendent moments of truth and the hope of creating them.”
There’s lots more here: from a technical point of view, the sections describing how he worked with his coach Alexander Vetrov (“Sasha”) to alter his style after he moved to the Bolshoi are especially interesting.
The over-arching narrative is of the author’s rise to ballet stardom, fall—due to injury and ill-advised surgery—into the slough of despond, and return, via a lengthy period of physiotherapy at the Australian Ballet School in Melbourne, to performing with the American Ballet Theater on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera House in New York.
For me, however, the most interesting aspect of Hallberg’s memoir was his detailed descriptions of what it is really like to be a ballet dancer. He is particularly good on the highs:
being “engulfed in the beauty that comes from the fusion of music and movement.”This last is an especially revealing remark: Hallberg does mention friends, a favorite neighborhood diner, and posts on social media, but it’s clear that his most important relationships are with ballet teachers and coaches; outside the studio and off-stage, he appears to spend much of his time alone.
“Nothing compares to…the nerves you feel with the show fast approaching. The pressure to dance your absolute best.” “In the end, there is nothing more exhilarating than contending with that sort of pressure.”
“Those moments of living so intense and fully on the stage are why I danced.”
All dancers strive to appear perfect; the notion that perfection is attainable, that ingrained habit of seeing yourself in a virtual mirror wherever you are, stays with you long after you stop dancing. As Hallberg writes: “I was attracted to the idea of perfection, to the fact that there are precise ways to execute every turn, jump, and step. I savored the nonnegotiable structure of the work.” And yet, as he observes, a good dancer must embody a role rather than just execute it. “Being ‘perfect’ can drain your dancing of the force and fire that makes art expressive. Steps are not art. Technique is not art. What you do with them becomes art.”
Hallberg is good at finding just the right words to describe ballet: from the “meditation of barre, this daily series that we execute throughout our entire careers,” to the way a new ballet is created in the studio with a choreographer working closely with dancers: Alexei Ratmansky “sees what is possible, what can successfully translate from his imagination to actual dancing. But also what cannot.”
As a young dancer, Hallberg struggles to partner a ballerina: he needs to learn “the strength to lift her, the right, courtly way to touch her.” His descriptions of dancing with partners with whom the chemistry was right are deeply moving—above all, the Bolshoi-trained Natalia Osipova (“the movement of her arms came from her back, finishing with soft, unforced hands and fingers. The quality of movement wasn’t academic…it was about release, pure emotion originating from the core of her body and extending outward, in all directions.”) Hallberg is able to describe their first Giselle so well that one can really feel how Osipova’s consummate artistry was “a revelation and an awakening” for him. “Following that performance with Natasha, I understood more deeply than ever before why I dance: for those transcendent moments of truth and the hope of creating them.”
There’s lots more here: from a technical point of view, the sections describing how he worked with his coach Alexander Vetrov (“Sasha”) to alter his style after he moved to the Bolshoi are especially interesting.
The word bolshoi actually means “big”; the theater’s stage is larger than most. To inhabit it, to leap across it, to fill it, my dancing would need more amplitude.“Talent is an unearned gift; but talent is also an obligation,” Hallberg writes. He has certainly fulfilled the obligations of his talent—and then some.
October 3, 2017
Having spent a great deal of time at the barre myself, I say Bravo, Mr. Hallberg!
November 17, 2017
Hailed as one of the great American ballet dancers of our time, David Hallberg made history when he achieved the position of principal dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet. He was the first American to be asked to dance as a member of the world-renowned Russian company, and he did this while also maintaining his position of principal dancer with ABT - arguably the finest ballet company in the United States.
I admit I have been following Hallberg's career for quite some time. He grew up in South Dakota (the state just south of mine), and thanks to the support of his parents and a move to Arizona (where top ballet training is more accessible), he was able to rise to a very elite level of this art form. I remember the day I learned that Hallberg was injured, and beyond that, following his social media posts about his surgery and then, for what seemed an eternity, nothing.
David Hallberg suffered a fracture in his foot that required multiple surgeries, and still, he was unable to dance. Hallberg details his struggle, his depression and his desperation in the book. Thankfully, through the help of team of talented PT dance professionals in Australia, he was able to recover and dance again.
I can't stress enough how much I enjoyed this book. His story is interesting in it's own right, but I appreciated Hallberg's honesty about his journey; and I also especially enjoyed his insights into his personal dance growth. Dancers typically are not satisfied with their own technique. Hallberg is no exception, but he had a drive to better himself. This drive allowed him to take risks, like training in Paris and Russia, or seeking roles outside the Princely characters he was known for. At times I felt sad for him - he was too isolated, and seemed lonely, even as he was so famous.
Ultimately, every dancer knows their career will end before they want it to, but coming face to face with a career-ending injury isn't welcomed by anyone. I hope that for David Hallberg, he will dance until he decides, on his own terms, that it's time to step off the stage.
I admit I have been following Hallberg's career for quite some time. He grew up in South Dakota (the state just south of mine), and thanks to the support of his parents and a move to Arizona (where top ballet training is more accessible), he was able to rise to a very elite level of this art form. I remember the day I learned that Hallberg was injured, and beyond that, following his social media posts about his surgery and then, for what seemed an eternity, nothing.
David Hallberg suffered a fracture in his foot that required multiple surgeries, and still, he was unable to dance. Hallberg details his struggle, his depression and his desperation in the book. Thankfully, through the help of team of talented PT dance professionals in Australia, he was able to recover and dance again.
I can't stress enough how much I enjoyed this book. His story is interesting in it's own right, but I appreciated Hallberg's honesty about his journey; and I also especially enjoyed his insights into his personal dance growth. Dancers typically are not satisfied with their own technique. Hallberg is no exception, but he had a drive to better himself. This drive allowed him to take risks, like training in Paris and Russia, or seeking roles outside the Princely characters he was known for. At times I felt sad for him - he was too isolated, and seemed lonely, even as he was so famous.
Ultimately, every dancer knows their career will end before they want it to, but coming face to face with a career-ending injury isn't welcomed by anyone. I hope that for David Hallberg, he will dance until he decides, on his own terms, that it's time to step off the stage.
September 16, 2019
Yes, it's about ballet but really it's about loneliness, alienation, xenophobia, depression, mental health and humanity. And most writers aren't working on pointe. Mr. Hallberg is one to watch. I hope he continues to write, and to dance.
September 27, 2017
As a kid, I longed to be a ballerina. Sadly I did not have the talent by I retained my interest. Thus, I read this book authored by a famous male ballet dancer. He was a lead dancer for ABT and the first American to ever dance as a member of the Bolshoi. I loved the descriptions of dance and was amazed by the dedication, motivation, pain, and exactitude it takes to dance at his caliber. I did not like the minutia and the over-attention to detail, and his never-ending self-doubt. The author mentions early on that he is gay and details his first romantic relationship. He never mentions it again which I found frustrating. He either decided to censor himself or he really was totally dedicated to his art. A good read with some foibles.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy.
September 6, 2019
I'd love for this book to get more of an audience-- I think a seasoned ballet lover can love it of course, but a dance novice or any arts appreciator could get a lot out of it.
Mr. Hallberg describes his personal journey though dance, which includes bullying, isolation, a lot of hard work and support, amazing success, injury and recovery. It's clear his identity is through dance.
The best part of this book is how carefully Mr. Hallberg describes how a career dancer relates to his world-- everything from steps to theatres to techniques to traditions is explained clearly, not watered down and yet not condescending. Each ballet company has its own culture and Mr. Hallberg even translates this for us. He describes his feelings equally carefully, which really brings the reader in.
The audio was fantastic, too!
Mr. Hallberg describes his personal journey though dance, which includes bullying, isolation, a lot of hard work and support, amazing success, injury and recovery. It's clear his identity is through dance.
The best part of this book is how carefully Mr. Hallberg describes how a career dancer relates to his world-- everything from steps to theatres to techniques to traditions is explained clearly, not watered down and yet not condescending. Each ballet company has its own culture and Mr. Hallberg even translates this for us. He describes his feelings equally carefully, which really brings the reader in.
The audio was fantastic, too!
June 18, 2021
I would it give it more stars if I could.
He is such an inspiration. The bullying he dealt with as a kid, the work ethic he has, the recovery from his awful injury is just incredible. In the last half of the book he has to make decisions which are very hard to make. He had to face what/if kind of transition he is facing and how to react to it. I needed to read this bio because though I am not a dancer (I WISH!!) I too am facing a transition in my life. It was inspirational to hear him feel he was beaten down, to almost give up even as he was working to get back up. He was alone and like me feels that he doesn't want to burden anyone with his emotional (and at times even he's physical) pain.
The other great thing about this book was to see the background of ballet. It was as if he were holding my hand and explaining patiently what each step meant, just the right amount of ballet history to explain something. He was not condescending but as if we were just sitting in a cafe and he was telling me his story
I highly recommend this book to everyone even if your just slightly curious about ballet. I had never heard of him before and I've YouTubed him---WOW! Such a beautiful dancer.
He is such an inspiration. The bullying he dealt with as a kid, the work ethic he has, the recovery from his awful injury is just incredible. In the last half of the book he has to make decisions which are very hard to make. He had to face what/if kind of transition he is facing and how to react to it. I needed to read this bio because though I am not a dancer (I WISH!!) I too am facing a transition in my life. It was inspirational to hear him feel he was beaten down, to almost give up even as he was working to get back up. He was alone and like me feels that he doesn't want to burden anyone with his emotional (and at times even he's physical) pain.
The other great thing about this book was to see the background of ballet. It was as if he were holding my hand and explaining patiently what each step meant, just the right amount of ballet history to explain something. He was not condescending but as if we were just sitting in a cafe and he was telling me his story
I highly recommend this book to everyone even if your just slightly curious about ballet. I had never heard of him before and I've YouTubed him---WOW! Such a beautiful dancer.
April 4, 2018
A sophisticated, respectful, and well written memoir.
I will read *any damn ballet book* on the market, so I'm an easy mark for this type of memoir. It's relatively rare to find ballet memoirs by men, as my understanding is that the most famous stars are the women rather than the men of ballet. So I was very interested to see the male point of view.
Interestingly, the book seems to very closely echo the dancing style of the author: precise, complete, respectful to the past, and controlled. The author goes into some detail about wanting to be a more daring and emotionally free dancer, and the book's rather dry style echoes this "edited" version of his life.
There's an almost sterile, very contained feeling to the book that I didn't mind, but the word that comes to mind is "careful". Stories about what must have been very brutal emotional engagements are sanitized to that Hollywood "I respect so and so very much as an artist". Come on, you wouldn't pee on them if they were on fire! Just be honest!
I get why the author doesn't want to drag his costars, it's never a good look, but just something about the careful, formal, delicate wording and writing tells a story of someone who is very reserved, emotionally and physically, and a major perfectionist.
Overall, an interesting read, but it's lacking that "something" that makes a great juicy memoir. Recommended only for balletomanes such as myself.
I will read *any damn ballet book* on the market, so I'm an easy mark for this type of memoir. It's relatively rare to find ballet memoirs by men, as my understanding is that the most famous stars are the women rather than the men of ballet. So I was very interested to see the male point of view.
Interestingly, the book seems to very closely echo the dancing style of the author: precise, complete, respectful to the past, and controlled. The author goes into some detail about wanting to be a more daring and emotionally free dancer, and the book's rather dry style echoes this "edited" version of his life.
There's an almost sterile, very contained feeling to the book that I didn't mind, but the word that comes to mind is "careful". Stories about what must have been very brutal emotional engagements are sanitized to that Hollywood "I respect so and so very much as an artist". Come on, you wouldn't pee on them if they were on fire! Just be honest!
I get why the author doesn't want to drag his costars, it's never a good look, but just something about the careful, formal, delicate wording and writing tells a story of someone who is very reserved, emotionally and physically, and a major perfectionist.
Overall, an interesting read, but it's lacking that "something" that makes a great juicy memoir. Recommended only for balletomanes such as myself.
May 8, 2018
Excellent memoir by David Hallberg, a danseur with ABT and also the first American to join the Bolshoi. What most interested me was his career ending injury, because of a crazy schedule and the grueling battering of his body that he put himself through, in order to "get it all in while he could" in this very short career. He was offered so many opportunities because he is a star dancer. Beautiful physique, technique, and highly arched feet for a man, I watched many youtube videos after I read his book since I've never seen him dance live. (He has the most beautiful entrechat six I've ever seen.) His miraculous recovery, which really wasn't a miracle at all, it was the expertise of the Australian Ballet Physio team that brought him back to the stage (and his hard work to achieve the impossible), inch by inch, to create a new, whole, healthy dancer, mentally and physically. He writes with painful honesty, the doubts that would creep in daily of his great talent. I'm thinking, how can this be? But many artists have that doubt no matter how great they are at their art. He takes the reader to the top of his career, his lowest, most broken moments and back again to his rise. So nice it has a happy ending, for now anyway, and I do hope I get to see him dance someday. Beautiful book.
March 29, 2021
This book is a must for any dance lover. I would have loved for this book to keep going and for David to take us with him on his next journey. I particularly loved all the parts of the book about his experience with the Bolshoi. These chapters were so lush with descriptions that I felt like I was there with him. While the parts about his childhood are heartbreaking. I appreciate that he shared it with us and hope it raises awareness about the issue of bullying. I would have loved a little more of the book to be spent on his time when he first joined ABT. He shared a lot about his struggles with his partners, but I would have also loved some insights into his time in the corps de ballet. Highly recommend overall!
December 16, 2017
Memoir about a male principal ballet dancer who succumbs to and then recovers from a debilitating injury to return triumphantly to the stage.
I thought the description of this book was a bit exaggerated...sitting in the park polishing off a six-pack is hardly the most "rock-bottom" I can imagine. Most of the book is a lot of detail about ballet classes, performances, companies...90% ballet, 10% downfall, not 50/50 which was the impression I got. But, for someone interested in ballet and with a past history in ballet, it was interesting, particularly from someone so at the top of his game (a principal dancer--the greatest heights one can achieve).
Particularly interesting was his experience as a "reverse defector", becoming a permanent member of the Bolshoi, and all the culture clash that entailed.
The injury portions of this book were cathartic to me as a long-term injured runner...trying to make peace with the identity crisis and fundamental shakeup of routine that all that entails.
I thought the description of this book was a bit exaggerated...sitting in the park polishing off a six-pack is hardly the most "rock-bottom" I can imagine. Most of the book is a lot of detail about ballet classes, performances, companies...90% ballet, 10% downfall, not 50/50 which was the impression I got. But, for someone interested in ballet and with a past history in ballet, it was interesting, particularly from someone so at the top of his game (a principal dancer--the greatest heights one can achieve).
Particularly interesting was his experience as a "reverse defector", becoming a permanent member of the Bolshoi, and all the culture clash that entailed.
The injury portions of this book were cathartic to me as a long-term injured runner...trying to make peace with the identity crisis and fundamental shakeup of routine that all that entails.
March 16, 2019
I adore the ballet and try to see a couple of performances a year. I hope to see David in a production the next time ABT comes to the Kennedy Center. This was a great memoir. It has just the right mix of inside ballet “baseball” and his journey up the ranks in the world of ballet, his injury, and his rehabilitation back. Quick read, well-written. Any fan of dance should enjoy.
July 19, 2025
I loved it, mainly because of my interest in the topic, but it's also objectively a story well worth telling. the writing is average, to put it mildly, and extremely ripetitive, but it drives its message home most of the time. a very heartfelt memoir.
June 29, 2019
Solid 4-4.5 stars. Review to come
August 17, 2020
An amazing, emorionally raw look at the life of a professional dancer. Mr. Hallberg lays all his experiences, emotions, setbacks, and triumphs on the table, giving a unique glimpse into a complicated and demanding profession.
January 21, 2021
Great autobiography! Very inspiring and moving. I had tears in my eyes the last 50 pages or so. Definitely worth checking out if you love classical music, ballet, or just a good comeback story!
November 12, 2017
The book A Body of Work by David Hallberg is about the mental and physical strength you need to be a ballet dancer. It shows the struggles through injuries, traveling, leaving family, and dealing with cruel teachers and dancers.
Overall, this book was amazing and so relatable. It was amazingly detailed and never boring. I was always interested as I was reading. There was nothing I disliked about this book.
The age group for this book is all ages. Anyone of any ages would enjoy this. Especially dancers and anyone who wants to hear an inspiring story would love this.
Overall, this book was amazing and so relatable. It was amazingly detailed and never boring. I was always interested as I was reading. There was nothing I disliked about this book.
The age group for this book is all ages. Anyone of any ages would enjoy this. Especially dancers and anyone who wants to hear an inspiring story would love this.
September 5, 2021
David Hallberg has been appointed the new artistic director of the Australian Ballet (https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/02/ar...)
After reading this memoir, I feel extremely happy for him. This is the story of a person who works hard every day of his life to reach his dream.
When he started writing this book, he had not had his devastating ankle injury, so his tone was optimistic, talking about what it takes to attain what one dreams. Which at the time he imagined was to become the ballet principal. He describes what it took for him to raise from being a normal kid, to becoming a renowned, respected and famous dancer.
He describes his family:
His first attempts as a child dancer:
He names many of the teachers who helped shape his dream:
He describes his long hours of work:
Many of his travels:
Some really significant moments in his artistic life:
A few stories of success and celebrity:
And also his injury and pain:
But he finally came back and with hard work and never letting him dwell in his comfort sone for too much:
Finally, he thanks every person who has helped him raise to the place where he is at the moment (2017)
Here is the editorial information of the book:
And the back cover:
And this is how this extraordinary character looks like nowadays:
I also have a blog! Here is the link: http://lunairereadings.blogspot.com
December 7, 2017
I love Ballet. When my father died in 2016 I said fuck it I'm too old and I'm too fat and I'm going to learn. I started to take Ballet classes, and I loved every second of it. My teacher was amused by how much I smiled, and smiled even more through the pain. Sadly health reasons have kept me off the barre the past year. I dream to see David perform one day, I wanted so badly to go to NY for the Mark Ryden show. (Again poor health for me). This book is just wonderful, the way he describes his need to dance. Learning his progress through his art, and his struggle. Which honestly to me seem like they come from himself more than anyone else (hi I relate). It took me three days to read and every night I have had vivid dreams of dance and oddly meeting David on the street and greeting him with a plié. (I'm weird okay.) I don't know much about him personally, but I struggled at times with connecting to him, to his voice but now that I'm done I get why. I think he's fragile in his soul and has a stern protective outer shell. Someone said this book felt impersonal but I felt it was deeply personal in that regard, he's all facts. You don't get the emotion I think it's hard for him in any way other than dance. I could be projecting, I have no way of knowing . But what I mean to say at the end of all this is, my fav thing is when I read a biography and you can tell the person really wrote it, these are his words, his voice, his experience. And I'm so thankful he shared them. Very inspirational, and I can't wait to get back to the barre.
May 23, 2022
I love ballet and I love reading books about ballet. I know the vocabulary, the steps, the names of dancers, choreographers, ballet history, which makes it easier.
Dancers autobiographies however, can be tricky. Dancers are artists, but they don't express themselves using words. They use their bodies instead. So when a dancer writes a book, you can expect almost anything.
David Hallberg did not disapoint me. I liked reading about his discovery of dance, his career with first ABT then the invitation to join Bolshoï Ballet.
But the part that touched me most was the last one, when he lost everything and was left alone to face the biggest battle of his life. This part felt raw and brutal and honest. And it made me cry.
Like a phoenix, he came back to performing in December of 2016 after 2 long years of pain and physical therapy.
I loved reading all about it. Thank you Mr. Hallberg for sharing.
2019/03/22
This was my second time reading this book. I don't do this often (so many books to read...) but David Hallberg's book stayed in my mind and I felt like I just had to read it again.
I loved it all over again. I had forgotten some details, and I am not sure I cried at the same places, but I know I have absolutely no regret for reading this book a second time.
Dancers autobiographies however, can be tricky. Dancers are artists, but they don't express themselves using words. They use their bodies instead. So when a dancer writes a book, you can expect almost anything.
David Hallberg did not disapoint me. I liked reading about his discovery of dance, his career with first ABT then the invitation to join Bolshoï Ballet.
But the part that touched me most was the last one, when he lost everything and was left alone to face the biggest battle of his life. This part felt raw and brutal and honest. And it made me cry.
Like a phoenix, he came back to performing in December of 2016 after 2 long years of pain and physical therapy.
I loved reading all about it. Thank you Mr. Hallberg for sharing.
2019/03/22
This was my second time reading this book. I don't do this often (so many books to read...) but David Hallberg's book stayed in my mind and I felt like I just had to read it again.
I loved it all over again. I had forgotten some details, and I am not sure I cried at the same places, but I know I have absolutely no regret for reading this book a second time.
October 4, 2018
Well-written but less-than-candid story of the making of a male ballet dancer.
Hallberg was inspired by Fred Astaire as a child, started with tap dancing, then jazz, and finally fell in love with classical ballet at the relatively late age of 13. Through hard work and sheer determination, Hallberg progressed from the corps de ballet to become a principal dancer with American Ballet Theater and the Bolshoi Ballet--simultaneously, an unprecedented achievement. The final quarter of the book describes Hallberg's struggle to recover from a terrible ankle injury, which involved two surgeries and 18 months of recovery and rehab, most of it in Melbourne. It's a dramatic and inspiring comeback, like many great sports stories.
Despite the touching revelations of a middle school romance with another teen dancer named Jack and heartbreaking scenes of the bullying Hallberg endured as a teen, the book steers clear of Hallberg's personal life, which is a shame. Consequently Hallberg comes across as detached and solitary, but totally immersed in his profession. Perhaps Hallberg will be more revealing in a follow-up book about his life after dancing.
The ebook ends with a generous selection of striking photos from Hallberg's life and career.
Hallberg was inspired by Fred Astaire as a child, started with tap dancing, then jazz, and finally fell in love with classical ballet at the relatively late age of 13. Through hard work and sheer determination, Hallberg progressed from the corps de ballet to become a principal dancer with American Ballet Theater and the Bolshoi Ballet--simultaneously, an unprecedented achievement. The final quarter of the book describes Hallberg's struggle to recover from a terrible ankle injury, which involved two surgeries and 18 months of recovery and rehab, most of it in Melbourne. It's a dramatic and inspiring comeback, like many great sports stories.
Despite the touching revelations of a middle school romance with another teen dancer named Jack and heartbreaking scenes of the bullying Hallberg endured as a teen, the book steers clear of Hallberg's personal life, which is a shame. Consequently Hallberg comes across as detached and solitary, but totally immersed in his profession. Perhaps Hallberg will be more revealing in a follow-up book about his life after dancing.
The ebook ends with a generous selection of striking photos from Hallberg's life and career.
July 24, 2018
Wow, any dancer will really appreciate this book. Any non-dancer who wants to understand how dancers think (or at least, how I think) should read it. The attachment and drive in the ballet world is hard to put into words, but this does it justice. Also, David Hallberg's timeline is eerily similar to me. We attended the same ABT Summer Intensive and danced the same ballet 'Theme and Variations' while there. Many of the names mentioned - Kevin Mckenzie, John Meehan, will ring a bell to dancers my age. Hallberg made some amazing strides in ballet and the book gives a good review of history of ballet and the cultural differences in ballet from country to country.
February 24, 2019
Dear Mr. Hallberg
Thank you. Thank you for this compelling and honest read. Thank you for connecting me to a deeper passion and understanding of the mind/soul of a dancer. As a mother of a young and very passionate dancer I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I was surprised to also connect with you in your Russian life acclimation. It brought back so many memories both challenging and wonderful (made me miss my Slovak years).
Thank you for a book I am eager to hand to my dancer hoping she will absorb much and propel herself forward.
And a thank you to your parents for raising and encouraging an amazing man.
Thank you. Thank you for this compelling and honest read. Thank you for connecting me to a deeper passion and understanding of the mind/soul of a dancer. As a mother of a young and very passionate dancer I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I was surprised to also connect with you in your Russian life acclimation. It brought back so many memories both challenging and wonderful (made me miss my Slovak years).
Thank you for a book I am eager to hand to my dancer hoping she will absorb much and propel herself forward.
And a thank you to your parents for raising and encouraging an amazing man.
March 14, 2018
You don't have to be interested in ballet to be fascinated and moved by David Hallberg's writing, but it helps if you have some acquaintance with physical activity, ambition, striving, elation, and heartbreak. I listened to this in audio format on Libby by Overdrive, and found it hard to tear myself away. His generosity of spirit was inspiring, and I admit to being fascinated by what these graceful athletes have to do in order to remain at the top of their game. Think you're working hard? Listen to this and up your game.
February 22, 2018
I loved and cherished every word of this fine book. What a glimpse into the world of ballet, the world of an artist, life in Russia, France and Australia and in addition a chronicle of the love of the supportive family of a child as he came out. Lyrical, intelligent and resonant. What a testament to an artist and his craft. I only hope to see him perform with ABT one day. Bravo, Bravo and encore!!!
June 24, 2018
Great book, David Hallburg is such a well grounded, hard working dancer. I had followed his career for years, (was privileged to call his grandmother friend) the book is an easy read, yes he is a ballet dancer, but it is not necessary to know a thing about that world to enjoy his story. I am recommending this book to everyone who wants to understand the value of hard work, and a willing attitude. I really need to find updates on how he is doing now!!
July 29, 2018
A gripping and surprisingly emotional biography, full of honesty, humility and a frank depiction of one man's remarkable journey to the pinnacle of accomplishment, to a personal and physical hell... and back again. To my great surprise, it's the first book in years that has caused me to cry. Highly recommended to any reader with a beating heart.
February 8, 2018
A book for any ballet lover, and especially for the fans of this great dancer. I've seen David at Bolshoi and ABT ( as any balletoman I'm using first names for the dancers, choreographers to show not my familiarity but appreciation). He is truly a very talented dancer, a real prince! Ballet is a hard art to practice, so many wonderful dancers would never become great because of their limited artistic ability to act. David is great because in addition to his wonderful physical performance he is equally great at acting and ability to dance lyrical as well heroic and comedic parts. Svetlana Zakharova, a partner of David mentioned in the book, is a good technical dancer completely lacking any emotional acting. So her parts are all the same, from Kitri to Giselle, it is painful to watch the complete absence of passion at times. The author is too polite and restrained to provide any critical view, the main problem with this book. Well, it is common trait for any memoirs, it is reflection of the author sensitive and polite nature. No juicy details here!
I loved the section on his time in Moscow, especially the petty staff on the rude Russians. For myself, I never met any more rude ppl than in Boston, truly frustrating city to visit! Moscow is very crowded, 10 millions residents plus around 2 millions illegals mostly from Central Asia, no wonder people seem aggressive. I laughed very hard at the descriptions of unfriendly cashiers at Globus Gourmet, a rather upscale supermarket, my local Auchan (cheap grocery chain) cashiers are always ready to provide greeting and goodbye. As for pushy customers, well, that's rich people for you!
However, even David couldn't restrained himself from mentioning the horrible dual nature of the very real evil character Tsiskaridze, who is btw an agent provocateur behind the acid attack. I pity the Vaganova Academy suffering under him!
The narrative after David's injury and the tough time of letting himself go was the most American to me. Confessional type memoirs of past "sins" are very much perplexing to me still, in Russia we prefer that staff to be private and shameful. It was as difficult to read as the beginning part on bullying in school, as one can sense the unbearable sadness of suffering and despair of that time in author's life.
Overall, it was a very interesting book to read to glimpse a little bit in the behind the scenes hard work that goes to provide that ephemeral beauty that is ballet. I wish David all the best and hope to see him again on stage!
I loved the section on his time in Moscow, especially the petty staff on the rude Russians. For myself, I never met any more rude ppl than in Boston, truly frustrating city to visit! Moscow is very crowded, 10 millions residents plus around 2 millions illegals mostly from Central Asia, no wonder people seem aggressive. I laughed very hard at the descriptions of unfriendly cashiers at Globus Gourmet, a rather upscale supermarket, my local Auchan (cheap grocery chain) cashiers are always ready to provide greeting and goodbye. As for pushy customers, well, that's rich people for you!
However, even David couldn't restrained himself from mentioning the horrible dual nature of the very real evil character Tsiskaridze, who is btw an agent provocateur behind the acid attack. I pity the Vaganova Academy suffering under him!
The narrative after David's injury and the tough time of letting himself go was the most American to me. Confessional type memoirs of past "sins" are very much perplexing to me still, in Russia we prefer that staff to be private and shameful. It was as difficult to read as the beginning part on bullying in school, as one can sense the unbearable sadness of suffering and despair of that time in author's life.
Overall, it was a very interesting book to read to glimpse a little bit in the behind the scenes hard work that goes to provide that ephemeral beauty that is ballet. I wish David all the best and hope to see him again on stage!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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Read
November 19, 2022This read was perfectly tailored to me. It was perhaps a bit overly detailed for someone who doesn't already know David Hallberg or especially the ins and outs of the professional classical ballet world, but I enjoyed the level of depth and looks into both the companies (ABT! Bolshoi! Australian Ballet! Paris Opera Ballet! Mariinsky!) and an artist's individual journey.
David was respectful as he wrote through his positive and negative experiences with different schools, companies, and partners. If something was negative, he generally declined to provide fully identifying information. There was a lot of drama and angst in the pages, as is wont to happen with the artiste type. I was ready not to roll my eyes even if some might at a few places. Occasionally, he included a truly savage low-key burn or two, as these about dancers at the Paris Opera Ballet. They ostracized and bullied him as a student, and he returned to the company about 14 years later as a world-traveling principal and guest artist:
"In Paris, I was returning to the place that had rejected me. Most of the students who had made fun of me when I was a teenager were still there. Some were étoiles. Most were in the corps de ballet."
"In walked Sophie, same blonde hair, slinky walk, the girl who had made no secret of her distaste for me when she laughed out loud after I slipped on the stairs. Her rank, quadrille, was akin to being a member of the corps de ballet."
Burrrrrrrnnnn. No commentary to rub it in needed.
There was a lot I resonated with in this memoir, from the pull dance has to the obsessive correcting and perfecting. And the complete blindsiding and identity-yanking experience of being injured. Considering that David lives in the highest echelons of the ballet world and my career was at a far different level, I think this speaks to some universality in the experience of loving and being beaten up by an art form.
I was also impressed with how well it was written. If he didn't have a ghostwriter, David clearly has talent in multiple directions.
David was respectful as he wrote through his positive and negative experiences with different schools, companies, and partners. If something was negative, he generally declined to provide fully identifying information. There was a lot of drama and angst in the pages, as is wont to happen with the artiste type. I was ready not to roll my eyes even if some might at a few places. Occasionally, he included a truly savage low-key burn or two, as these about dancers at the Paris Opera Ballet. They ostracized and bullied him as a student, and he returned to the company about 14 years later as a world-traveling principal and guest artist:
"In Paris, I was returning to the place that had rejected me. Most of the students who had made fun of me when I was a teenager were still there. Some were étoiles. Most were in the corps de ballet."
"In walked Sophie, same blonde hair, slinky walk, the girl who had made no secret of her distaste for me when she laughed out loud after I slipped on the stairs. Her rank, quadrille, was akin to being a member of the corps de ballet."
Burrrrrrrnnnn. No commentary to rub it in needed.
There was a lot I resonated with in this memoir, from the pull dance has to the obsessive correcting and perfecting. And the complete blindsiding and identity-yanking experience of being injured. Considering that David lives in the highest echelons of the ballet world and my career was at a far different level, I think this speaks to some universality in the experience of loving and being beaten up by an art form.
I was also impressed with how well it was written. If he didn't have a ghostwriter, David clearly has talent in multiple directions.
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