Raising the Barre: Big Dreams, False Starts, and My Midlife Quest to Dance the Nutcracker
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | 4.54 (856 Votes) |
| Asin | : | 030690327X |
| Format Type | : | paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 272 Pages |
| Publish Date | : | 2014-05-10 |
| Language | : | English |
DESCRIPTION:
An award-winning author's journey to break out of the expectations of midlife and reclaim the daring of her girlhood by dancing in the world's most popular ballet, The Nutcracker, with a professional company.Like generations of little girls, Lauren Kessler fell in love with ballet the first time she saw The Nutcracker, and from that day, at age five, she dreamed of becoming a ballerina. It is a tale told from the perspective of someone who not only loves it, but is also seeking to live it. But when she was twelve, her very famous ballet instructor crushed those dreams-along with her youthful self-assurance-and she
"Kessler inspires readers as she realizes that 'you can't feel the thrill unless you take the risk.'"Publishers Weekly"Kessler's book is eloquent, funny and so inspiring that readers might want to 'attempt the impossible' too."People"With a funny and warm writing style, Kessler describes a history of doubts, from the poking comments of her early dance teachers to her powerful drive to succeed in Eugene Ballet Company's performances--by any means necessary."Eugene Weekly"Kessler has a wonderfully self-conscious mettle as well, not to mention a deft hand with the evocative expression of her inner feelings. If Kessler can do it, yo
Hooray for Adult Dancers John Ash Just as I was about to hang up my ballet slippers at seventy-one years of age. I read about Lauren's book in People Magazine. To me Raising the Barre, is the best D.I.Y. book for aging dancers ever written. Yes I enjoyed all the history, but mostly I enjoyed all the exercise tips to prepare a dancer for the overwhelming demands of class and rehearsals. I especi. MacMaven said Wonderful book about ballet and transformation!. So enjoying reading Lauren Kessler's book, Raising the Barre! I love how readable the book is, like having a conversation with your best friend. I am enjoying the historical background about ballet, ballet stars, coaches, troupes, and ballet companies. I love reading about someone who immerses themselves into a topic and Lauren does not disappoint - I've learne. I know this person. BWinkle I was a professional ballerina in NYC. I've directed many Nutcrackers since and I've heard her story many times from cast members. " I always wanted to do this and never thought I could." But Lauren captured so much with her skills of choosing the words and phrases that spoke as easily as our center allegro speaks to us. I marvel at her precise language. It too
Lauren Kessler is the author of nine nonfiction books, including Counterclockwise: My Year of Hypnosis, Hormones, Dark Chocolate, and Other Adventures in the World of Anti-aging, as well as My Teenage Werewolf: A Mother, a Daughter, a Journey Through the Thicket of Adolescence. Her journalism