Once a Dancer: An Autobiography

Ms. Kent's style of writing mirrors that of her dancing: beautiful and inspiring. Throughout her fairytale, as this work cannot accurately be described as a story, nor a novel- it is every young girl's dream written elegantly and delicately onto the pages of her autobiography, Ms. Kent speaks honestly and candidly about her troubles and problems that arise in her life. Such situations include her emotional relationship with photographer Bert Stern, as well as her desire to continue dancing and performing after pregnancy (and how George Balanchine viewed her decisions regarding her choice to start a family mid-career). She also discusses her multiple attempts at careers outside the New York City Ballet; from her stunts as a guest artist, to her trials and misconceptions about the Allegra Kent School of Ballet. Ms Kent concludes her book with the statement, "...dancing well is the best revenge". Perhaps it could be better said that writing about life in dance has become Ms. Kent's true revenge. [HHS-4]

I was not yet born at the time of Kent's ascent as a favored dancer for the New York City Ballet. Nonetheless, from other books I have read, I have come to understand that part of her appeal as a dancer was an ethereal, elusive- not quite of this earth quality. I believe that this aspect of her personality comes through in her book.She grabbed my attention with her descriptions of her beginnings and progress through dance. And then she seems almost to dance away as her personal life's conflicts begin to overshadow and ultimately, everything but end her career. Despite her many difficulties and the focus on them, I treasure this book. When I re- read it, as I often do, I start where her dance training begins and stop when her personal troubles overshadow her dance.Allegra Kent takes you into the magical world of dance and reality seems an intrusion. Don't mean to sound overwrought but this is the best way I can explain my feelings about this book. I reccommend it highly and am very glad I have it.

I was such a great book to read. I've read it twice so far. Sometimes when I didn't really want to dance I read a few pages of the book and it inspired me to go out and try as hard as I could. I am not much of a autobiography person, but this book was so enyoyable. I think I will continue to read ot over and over.

Ms. Kent is brilliant, playful and constantly explores the internal and external worlds in which she lives. This was evident in her dancing, and it's evident in her writing. At times, it is almost too painful to read her candid accounts of her own self-doubts, fears and hardships, but she leavens them with such humor and whimsical philosophy that you end up smiling through your tears. This book, unlike many books written by dancers, explores not only Ms. Kent's evolution as an artist, but also as a woman. I'd recommend it to all who have an interest in learning to live their lives to the fullest.

I can't really even explain how wonderful I found this book to be. I loved how Kent began with a real background of her childhood and how that played a large part through the rest of her life. She begins the story from the very beginning, which allows the reader to not just read the words, but live and know the words. Plus as a dancer, I was very intrseted to know her opinions on how the ballet world has affected her entire life. Kent also talks about what it was to live on and off the stage, and how both lives influenced the other. With her insane husband, draining money account, and later suffereing dance career, Kent survives it all, and eventually comes out on top. I am so happy she is at a great place in her life right now. I also lovd her book "The Dancers Body Book" which is a great source of healthy diet information for dancers, dancer wanna-be's, and non-dancers alike. BRAVO Allegra!