Apollo's Angels: A History of Ballet | reviews, news & interviews
Apollo's Angels: A History of Ballet
Apollo's Angels: A History of Ballet
Jennifer Homans' magnificent study of the birth and death (or not) of an art form
Sunday, 21 November 2010
'Apollo's Angels' by Jennifer Homans: 'A book that every dance lover should read'
It is rare that you read a book, and mentally shout “Yes! Yes!” as you tick off all the things you agree with, but had never actually verbalised. It is even rarer to read a book where, in a subject you know pretty well, on almost every page you learn at least one fascinating new thing. But Jennifer Homans’ Apollo’s Angels is that book.
It is rare that you read a book, and mentally shout “Yes! Yes!” as you tick off all the things you agree with, but had never actually verbalised. It is even rarer to read a book where, in a subject you know pretty well, on almost every page you learn at least one fascinating new thing. But Jennifer Homans’ Apollo’s Angels is that book.
The chapter on Imperial Russia and the great classical ballets – Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty – is magisterial, but despite its almost epic breadth, still wonderfully detailed
Explore topics
Share this article
The future of Arts Journalism
You can stop theartsdesk.com closing!
We urgently need financing to survive. Our fundraising drive has thus far raised £33,000 but we need to reach £100,000 or we will be forced to close. Please contribute here: https://gofund.me/c3f6033d
And if you can forward this information to anyone who might assist, we’d be grateful.
Subscribe to theartsdesk.com
Thank you for continuing to read our work on theartsdesk.com. For unlimited access to every article in its entirety, including our archive of more than 15,000 pieces, we're asking for £5 per month or £40 per year. We feel it's a very good deal, and hope you do too.
To take a subscription now simply click here.
And if you're looking for that extra gift for a friend or family member, why not treat them to a theartsdesk.com gift subscription?
more Dance
Help to give theartsdesk a future!
Support our GoFundMe appeal
Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake, New Adventures, Sadler's Wells review - 30 years on, as bold and brilliant as ever
A masterly reinvention has become a classic itself
Ballet Shoes, Olivier Theatre review - reimagined classic with a lively contemporary feel
The basics of Streatfeild's original aren't lost in this bold, inventive production
Cinderella, Royal Ballet review - inspiring dancing, but not quite casting the desired spell
A fairytale in need of a dramaturgical transformation
First Person: singer-songwriter Sam Amidon on working in Dingle with Teaċ Daṁsa on 'Nobodaddy'
Michael Keegan-Dolan’s mind-boggling total work of art arrives at Sadlers Wells this week
Akram Khan, GIGENIS, Sadler’s Wells review - now 50, Khan returns to his roots
The dancer-choreographer goes epic in a show that unites South Asian dance styles
Maddaddam, Royal Ballet review - superb dancing in a confusing frame
Wayne McGregor's version of Margaret Atwood's dystopia needs a clearer map
Pina Bausch’s The Rite of Spring/common ground[s], Sadler’s Wells review - raw and devastating
Returning dancers from 13 African countries deliver celebrated vision with blistering force
Legacy, Linbury Theatre review - an exceptional display of black dance prowess
An all-too-fleeting celebration of black and brown ballet talent that demands a reprise
Encounters, Royal Ballet review - exciting mixed bill with a gem of a premiere
Pam Tanowitz's latest piece is a stunner that larkily subverts the rules
National Ballet of Canada, Sadler's Wells review - see this, and know what dance can do
Yet again, Crystal Pite proves herself a ferocious creative force, alongside fellow Canadian exports James Kudelka and Emma Portner
Nobodaddy, Teaċ Daṁsa, Dublin Theatre Festival review - supernatural song and dance odyssey
Michael Keegan-Dolan’s genius guides us through death, separation and loss
Add comment