Choreographer Mark Morris always elicits extreme reactions in audiences—but even those who hate, or are baffled by, his work can't deny that he's one of the most important creative figures in dance. Acocella (dance critic for New York's Daily News) has long championed Morris: here, by chronicling his early life and examining his works, she presents an extraordinary primer not only on how a choreographer develops but also on what dance can mean— and how it works. She also presents an infinitely more human, appealing Morris than is usually portrayed. Acocella has interviewed Morris, as well as his family, friends, dancers—and critics—at length. She describes the choreographer's Seattle childhood: a loving family; excellent early dance training; intense involvement in an extraordinary folk dancing group (Koleda). The author makes clear that the genius was always in Morris—and that, happily, he grew up in an environment in which it flourished. Through Acocella's examination of how Morris uses music and narrative line, and of the critical reaction (often violent) to him, we learn an immense amount—and not just about Morris. Readers will have their eyes opened by Acocella's jargon-free analysis—of how inner conflict, for instance, can fuel choreographic development: ``Many first-class choreographers begin as superb dancers....But in certain respects this is an unlucky combination...the dancer-choreographer is likely to choose choreography over his or her dance, and then to resent the company....'' Acocella looks at length at Morris's trial by fire in 1988 as the choreographer in residence at Belgium's state opera house; what comes across strongly is the dancer's unwavering focus on his work. Acocella does both Morris and dance a great service here. By throwing a clear light on both the man and his gift, she endears Morris to us, allows us to respect him more, and gives us a greater understanding of both him and his art. (Forty-plus photos—not seen)
Pub Date: Dec. 1, 1993
ISBN: 0-374-20295-8
Page Count: 288
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1993
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
IN THE NEWS
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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