Prodigal Son: Dancing for Balanchine in a World of Pain and Magic

I enjoyed this book very much. It is one more autobiography from one of the original principal dancers schooled by the reknowned choreographer, george balanchine , during the early days of the new york city ballet. edward villellas memories of those times are as honest and blunt- and interesting! - as the recollections that other principal dancers from that time have offered as unstintingly in their books. and so who can resist these illustrious dancers accounts of how and why they immersed themselves in this art ? their backrounds before, during, and after they stumbled upon fame; their quirky stage mothers; and their unyielding admiration for their mentor, balanchine, despite his ever present ability to nearly make or break them as dancers.(*as balanchine did not compromise in his expectations of dance ; his neo-classical brand of ballet choreography was a complete vision of his , and a vision that would change ballet forever.) these early muses of his endeavors were caught up in the excitement of this time, and used by balanchine for their abilitys and strengths as artists. that they all achieved balanchines favor as he set out to calmly put new/more life and inspiration into this incredible dance form, ballet - ultimately brought their names with him to as well be recorded in perhaps the most uplifting time in the history of ballet.

I am a dancer in Edward Villella's acclaimed Miami City Ballet and I would like to say (as biased as it may seem) that this is a must read. If you are a ballet dancer, or even a ballet fan, please purchase this book. It is a unique look at how men thrive in this dance world and still come out looking like men. It takes you deep into the world of ballet..the parts that most people don't see. Edward explains all of the secrets past the pink tutus and pointe shoes and shows what it's really like the be a part of our world. He is an amazing man with a facinating career and I urge you to buy this book because of that. You won't regret it!

I was so enchanted with the story of Edward Villella's life that I found it impossible to put the book down and it prompted me to write my first review! He not only tells you about an exciting time in ballet of which he was a part of - you also feel each moment with him. His hard work, the competitiveness, the disappointments, his success all flows into a story that leaves you no doubt of the love and passion that he has for dance. It's a fitting ending to know that he's now passing this on to other dancers. I'm just sorry I never saw him dance...

This was a wonderful book! It was so well written that it was almost as if Edward Villella were sitting in front of me telling me his life story. It was honest and heartfelt. I was glad that he not only told of his experiences with Balanchine but also of his life. In doing so, it personalizes his experiences and helps the reader to see him as a real person. This is not some stuffy biography! It is easily one of the best books I have read in years! I could not put it down.

Edward Villella's passion for dance jumps off the pages.Diplomatic but honest, this is one of my favorite autobiographies by a former Balanchine dancer (or dancer period).It is a book where as I approached the end I felt sad...I didn't want it to end! If Mr. Villella ever reads this commentary I have a request: PLEASE write a book regarding all you have learned regarding technique.Your passion and detail moved and inspired me!