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© Lauryn Johnson
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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.
28 Episodes
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In the episode, Jessica Lee Goldyn discusses her early experiences learning A Chorus Line as a child, training with Baayork Lee and Donna McKechnie, and performing Cassie in the closing week of the 2006 Broadway Revival of a A Chorus Line.Watch on YouTube
In this episode Charlotte d'Amboise reminisces about her year as Cassie in the 2006 Broadway revival of a Chorus Line. She talks about being inspired by Donna McKechnie, as the struggles and joys of this difficult role.Watch on YouTube
In this episode, Robyn Hurder discusses how A Chorus Line has affected the trajectory of her career--from seeing the show as a nine-year-old, to performing in the 2006 revival tour, to ultimately portraying Cassie at New York City Center in 2018. Robyn will honor the legacy of Michael Bennett and A Chorus Line at the 50th Anniversary Celebration at the Shubert Theater this month.Watch on YouTube
In this episode Donna McKechnie speaks about her early inspirations, her personal and professional relationship with Michael Bennett, and her reflections of 50 years of A Chorus Line. She also speaks at length about the character she originated, Cassie, and what it means to her to be able to mentor other performers in that role.Watch on YouTubeDonna's Autobiography: Time Steps: My Musical Comedy Life
In this episode Mitzi Hamilton discusses her long association with Michael Bennett's A Chorus Line which celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year. Mitzi was one of the two women whose stories provided the inspiration for the character of "Val" in the show. Mitzi shares wonderful memories of her Broadway debut, working with Michael Bennett, and how much A Chorus Line means to her.Watch on YoutubeA Chorus Line History
In this episode Baayork Lee discusses her early career on Broadway (starting at age 5!), her working relationship with Michael Bennett, and how she has worked to preserve his legacy as A Chorus Line celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.Watch on YouTubeRead Baayork's Book
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
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
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
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
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
In this episode, Jean-Pierre Frohlich discusses his 60+ year history with Balanchine's Nutcracker at the New York City Ballet. Jean-Pierre performed the children's role of Fritz at New York City Center, and was the first Prince when NYCB moved to Lincoln Center in 1964. He danced most of the adult roles in the ballet during his time as a company member, and since 1990 he has been a ballet master and repertory director at NYCB, coaching the subsequent generations of dancers in the Nutcracker.
In this episode we get 2 interviews! The episode focuses on the legendary Broadway and ballet photographer, Martha Swope, who helped to immortalized so many hundreds of performers and productions with her images. Delia Peters, a former NYCB dancer and close friend of Martha's, talks about their friendship. Carol Rosegg, a protege of Martha's who is now an preeminent theater photographer, talks about what she learned from Martha as a young photographer in New York.
Additional Resources:
Reference Footage
Playbill Article
New York Times Article
The Nutcracker: The Story of the New York City Ballet's Production Told in Pictures
Baryshnikov on Broadway: Photographs
Mourka: The Autobiography of a Cat
In this episode, composer David K. Israel takes us inside his collaboration with the modern dance choreographer Paul Taylor. David shares stories about Paul's artistry in the studio and his quirks as a neighbor!
Additional Resources
Related Footage
Private Domain- Paul Taylor Autobiography
Interview with David K. Israel
Why I Make Dances - Essay by Paul Taylor
In this episode, Theara discusses her early career in the Dance Theatre of Harlem under Arthur Mitchell and how that experience prepared her for future opportunities as a performer on Broadway, a teacher, and a leader.
Additional Resources:
Theara Footage
Arthur Mitchell Sweatshirt
In this episode we learn about the New York State Theater and the New York City Ballet from a new perspective: backstage! Perry Silvey worked at the theater for over 40 years in many positions, including stage manager and technical director. He began working there during the last 7 years of Balanchine’s life, and during the last 22 years of Robbins’ life. Perry recounts his favorite memories of calling the light cues for ballets like Glass Pieces, managing the specificity of Duo Concertant, and the joys and trials of Nutcracker.
Additional Resources:
New York State Theater History
Perry Silvey in the New York Times
Watch this episode on YouTube
In this episode, 87 year-old Balanchine ballerina, Allegra Kent, sits down to talk about her life and career. Beginning with her childhood in California and her teenage years at the School of American Ballet. She also shares memories of iconic ballets she performed including Agon, Seven Deadly Sins, Symphony in C, La Sonnambula, The Cage, Bugaku, and Apollo.
Additional Resources:
Reference Footage
Allegra Kent Sweatshirt
Allegra Kent Ornament
Allegra Kent's Book
For the finale of the first season of Immortal Icons of Dance, we talked to Patricia Ward Kelly about her late husband, Gene Kelly. Star of stage and screen, we learn that Gene wanted to be remembered for his choreography and film direction. We also find out what dance sequences he was most proud of, and Patricia busts some myths that have circulated about Gene.
Additional Resources:
Reference Footage
Singin' in the Rain
Invitation to the Dance
Gene Kelly Ultimate Pack
Immortal Icons of Dance Books, Shirts, and Ornaments
Disclaimer: Some of the links are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through this link and finalize a purchase.
In this episode, Jacqulyn Buglisi, artistic director of Buglisi Dance Theatre, recounts her time as a student of Martha Graham and her 12 years as principal dancer in the Martha Graham Dance Company. Martha Graham was a titan of 20th century dance, hailed by TIME magazine as "Dancer of the Century" in 1998. She choreographed 181 ballets during her lifetime—including "Tangled Night" which was created on Jacqulyn Buglisi.
Additional Resources
Reference Footage
Blood Memory: An Autobiography by Martha Graham
Deep Song: The Dance Story of Martha Graham
Martha Graham: When Dance Became Modern
Immortal Icons of Dance Holiday Gifts
Disclaimer: Some of the links are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through this link and finalize a purchase.
In this episode, Dylis Croman tells us about being mentored by Ann Reinking throughout her career. Dylis was 14 when she first met Ann, and it was because of Ann that she made her Broadway debut in "Fosse" in her early twenties. Now Dylis carries Ann's legacy forward, especially anytime she steps on stage as Roxie Hart in "Chicago" on Broadway.
Additional Resources:
Reference Footage
All That Jazz (1979)
Annie (1982)
Ann Reinking Shirt
All That Jazz Sweatshirt
Disclaimer: Some of the links are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through this link and finalize a purchase.
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