Never Far from Dancing

Barbara Newman has written extensively on dance for Dance Magazine (USA), the Dancing Times (UK) and many other periodicals and major reference works. She has written numerous books on ballet, including Striking a Balance (1982), Grace under Pressure (2003), and The Illustrated Book of Ballet Stories (1997), as well as contributions for BBC Radio 4, The Daily Telegraph, and Ballet Review.

'Barbara Newman, one of the UK's most highly valued writers on dance, has compiled an extraordinary archive from interviews with great dancers and teachers of the 20th century who, having made their transitions to becoming repetiteurs and administrators, extended their careers in dance by generously passing on their heritage and expertise. Their modesty in giving fulsome credit to their own teachers, coaches and choreographers, combined with their entertainingly candid memories, make this book truly enjoyable as well as informative. It is an insightful guide for those with so much to give who are embarking on their second careers off the stage and a 'must have' for all dance lovers.'Kathryn Wade ARAD, Director, English National Ballet School 1992-2004 Trustee, Dancers Career Development & The Dance Teachers' Benevolent Fund'Captivating... an utterly riveting view into the professional 'after-lives' of some of ballet's great performers.' Anya, Lady Sainsbury CBE'Barbara Newman talks to a group of distinguished former dancers about their careers after they finished dancing in her latest book, Never Far From Dancing: Ballet artists in new roles. The stellar interviews include Alicia Alonso, Nina Ananiashvili, Merrill Ashley, Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, Beryl Grey, Desmond Kelly, Donald MacLeary, Monica Mason, Lynn Seymour, Antoinette Sibley and David Wall, which should prove fascinating reading.'New Book Releases section, The Dancing Times'Newman's [book] is a compilation of her conversations with retired ballet performers. It makes intriguing and enriching reading...Passion and enthusiasm for dance speak from almost every interview. Far from just getting the job done, these artists fulfilled a vocation.' Ilona Landgraf, Dance View Times

• Introduction  1. Alicia Alonso  2. Beryl Grey  3. Donald MacLeary  4. Lynn Seymour  5. Antoinette Sibley  6. Monica Mason  7. Desmond Kelly  8. Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux  9. David Wall  10. Merrill Ashley  11. Nina Ananiashvili