In the Wings: Behind the Scenes at the New York City Ballet

By Kyle Froman

Book Overview

What is it like to dance at the highest level with the largest dance company in America? New York City Ballet dancer Kyle Froman knows. He has danced with the company for more than a decade, and he understands intimately the daily quest for excellence that propels professional dancers to astonishing achievements. Like his colleagues, he has overcome the multiple challenges of a marathon schedule, last-minute cast changes, injuries, and fatigue.

In this beautifully designed volume, Froman explores the exhilarating, awe-inspiring, and physically demanding life of the New York City Ballet dancers. With the unprecedented behind-the-scenes access only a dancer has, his stunning color and black-and-white photo-graphs offer an extraordinary glimpse into a special world that outsiders rarely see.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0470173432
• ISBN13: 9780470173435
• Release Date: October 2007
• Publisher: Trade Paper Press
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 7.8" x 9.9"

Customer Reviews

New York City Ballet Must Have

I wish this book would have received more attention upon its release. It is a fabulous book of photographs and commentary from someone, a dancer, on the inside at New York City Ballet and is filled with images, wonderful images, that one would likely not otherwise see in any other ballet book. For the fan of NYCB it's a must have, but would be equally at home on the shelf of any ballet or photography fan. Mr. Froman has produced a keeper. Bravo!!!

A Must Buy

Rarely do I write in about purchases I've made, but In The Wings deserves mention. I bought this book for my daughter, a twelve-year old aspiring dancer, but when it arrived in the mail, I found myself completely immersed in it. I don't consider myself a ballet buff. What I immediately identified with was the dancers' devotion to their art. I loved the fact that Froman didn't portray this world as sugary sweet. In page after page of gorgeous photography, he showed what it was like to devote yourself to something, what it takes from you, and what it gives back. Bravo, Kyle Froman

Beautifully photographed and written!

Finally a book has been put together showing the daily grind of what dancers go through. The book unfolds like a typical day when New York City Ballet is in performance season, and follows the dancers from morning class, through physical therapy, into the rehearsal studios, and finally onto the stage. It is amazing to see the human beings behind the images of perfection onstage. The reader feels a combination of exhaustion and exhilaration as the backstage life is juxtaposed with the breathtaking beauty that culminates in the performance. Definately a book for anyone interested in the arts, photography, or athletes. Won't disappoint.

A fantastic book in every way.

If you like great photography, beautiful writing, or dance, this is a book you have to buy. If you like all three, you are in great luck. Every page is a treasure. The moment I saw it in the store, I realized how lucky I was to find it. If you are a fan of the New York City Ballet, or just dream about it, you will feel you are truly part of the experience of one of America's great institutions. This is also the kind of book you can give to everyone on your holiday list and be confident they will love it -- classy, fun, and wonderful to have.

drawing back the curtain...

If you've ever wanted to get a true behind the scenes view of one of the world's greatest ballet companies this is it. kyle's unique perspective and access is a revelation. from class to performance you will get a backstage pass and get to know the dancers in the most intimate way possible. i highly recommend this book for dance aficionados and 'beginners' alike.