A Dancer in Wartime: One girl's journey from the Blitz to Sadler's Wells

A Dancer in Wartime: One girl's journey from the Blitz to Sadler's Wells

by Gillian Lynne (Author), Gillian Lynne (Author)

Synopsis

Gillian Lynne is one of the world's pre-eminent choreographers, the groundbreaking creative force behind blockbusters such as Cats and The Phantom of the Opera. But she started her career as a ballerina, and learnt to dance alongside Margot Fonteyn, Moira Shearer, Beryl Grey and Frederick Ashton during the Second World War. A Dancer in Wartime tells the story of Gillian's extraordinary childhood. From Miss Madeleine Sharp's Ballet Class for Young Ladies in Bromley, to being evacuated with her theatre school to rural Leicestershire; from performing in the West End with doodlebugs falling to touring a devastated Europe, the early years were hard, exciting and dramatic. And when the call came to join Sadler's Wells - well, what ballerina hopeful could have asked for more?

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More Information

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 304
Edition: First Edition
Publisher: Chatto & Windus
Published: 03 Nov 2011

ISBN 10: 0701185996
ISBN 13: 9780701185992
Book Overview: A unique memoir about ballet, the war and a peerless group of dancers

Media Reviews
An extraordinary tale Daily Telegraph Dance historians will be as charmed by this sidelight on dance as ambitious girls will be inspired by Lynne's description of the dancer's life The Times A beautiful tale of a young woman's talent, determination - and star quality -- Baz Bamigboye Daily Mail Wonderfully nostalgic and magical Easy Living Gillian's journey through dance is a story of passion and devotion that should be read by everyone, not just dance lovers. Arlene Phillips
Author Bio
Gillian Lynne is a British ballerina, dancer, actor, theatre director, television director and choreographer, best known for her iconic choreography of Cats and The Phantom of the Opera. She was born in Bromley, Kent, in 1926. At the age of ten she won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dancing, after which she joined the Cone Ripman School before being selected to join Molly Lake's Ballet Guild and Ninette de Valois's Sadler's Wells. As part of what would soon become the Royal Ballet, she was renowned for her portrayal of the Black Queen in de Valois's Checkmate, Queen of the Wilis in Giselle and in roles created for her by Frederick Ashton and Robert Helpmann. Her film, television and stage credits include many long-running West End and Broadway shows, productions for the RSC and English National Opera and The Muppets. She continues to produce television, film and stage productions and lives in London.