Nijinsky, Pavlova, Duncan: Three Lives in Dance

by Paul Magriel

Long out of print, the three beautiful volumes contained here offer the modern reader a rare opportunity to see Vaslav Nijinsky, Anna Pavlova, and Isadora Duncan through the eyes of their contemporaries and admirers, and to share the excitement they were causing at the height of their careers. Originally published in conjunction with the Ballet Society, founded by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, the books present essays, reviews, memoirs, photographs, and sketches, many of which are had to find elsewhere. These books are companions to the art of Nijinsky, Pavlova, and Duncan, providing insights that are essential for a complete picture of the dancers' achievements. The six appreciations collected here illuminate Nijinsky's genius and character, and thirty pages of photographs portray his every move and gesture with singular fidelity. This book features Edwin Denby's famous essay, "Notes on Nijinsky Photographs," as well as an intimate account by Robert Edmond Jones of his collaboration with Nijinsky on "Til Eulenspiegel," the dancer's last work before the onset of madness. This volume captures the intangible personal qualities that made Anna Pavlova one of the most charismatic ballerinas of all time. An autobiographical sketch, "Pages of My Life," reveals her intense striving for perfection. Following this are excerpts from Carl Van Vechten's critique on Pavlova's performance at the Met-the first major study of the Russian dance in the United States. Finally, the brilliant commentary by poet Marianne Moore that accompanies photographs of Pavlova aids the reader to reconstruct the unique nature of Pavlova's style and technique. Isadora The career of Isadora Duncan remains, fifty years after her death, one of the indestructible legends of the theater. She is a beacon to women everywhere, to all American dancers, and especially to those who dance solo. Included here are the comments of Carl Van Vechten on the occasion of Isadora Duncan's first Carnegie Hall concert. John Martin analyzes her style and contribution to dancing. A poem by Gordon Braig and a memoir by Allan Ross Macdougall, who worked with Duncan, bring the incandescent Isadora to stunning life.

276 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1946

Reviews

[Sandi Mann]

this book, published the month I was born! (November 1946) is so intensely technical, that it was difficult to read, so I just checked out the pix and read the caps. does that count as reading it? lol

I've had it since 21st Jan 1964...and must have bought it second hand obviously. Inside is in good condition, only the dust cover is a bit ratty. I didnt dream that it would be listed here on Goodreads, cos it looks like it was even before ISBN numbers!

[Kenzie Brandon]

"Those who like to see pretty dancing, pretty girls, pretty things in general will not find much pleasure in contemplating the art of Isadora. She is not pretty; her dancing is not pretty. She has been cast in a nobler mold and it is her pleasure to climb higher mountains."

I was not at all expecting to like this book, but closed it feeling really inspired. As a dance teacher, I always remind my students that to understand their craft, they need to connect to its roots. This book is a great way to get to know 3 of dance's greatest trailblazers.

I was particularly inspired by Isadora's section, but also found a lot of value in Pavlova's. Nijinsky's section was more of a slog, because it felt like each author was just glazing Nijinsky because he's Nijinsky. Hardly any analysis of his later-life madness or any of his convictions. The following 2 sections gave so much more depth.

TLDR: wow I love dance and its history