Top Dancer Biographies and Memoirs

1

Behind the Velvet Curtain: Ballerina's Journey

First American ballerina at Bolshoi Ballet Theater.
Realistic portrayal of ballet life in Russia.
Faces intense competition and personal challenges.
Explores dangers of a professional ballet career.
Details corrupt practices within the ballet community.
Emphasizes dedication and sacrifice for dreams.
Intriguing insights into Russian ballet culture.
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Price Range: $25.99

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Price: $25.99

2

Behind the Red Velvet Curtain: Ballerina Memoir

First American ballerina at Bolshoi Ballet Theater.
Experience beyond fairy tale expectations in Moscow.
Faces cutthroat competition and intense pressure.
Challenges include broken bones and immigration issues.
Political dangers intertwine with professional aspirations.
Joy's journey navigates ambition and moral dilemmas.
Discover the truth behind a dancer's dream.
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Price Range: $24.69

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Price: $24.69

3

Agent Josephine: American Beauty, British Spy

Fascinating biography of Josephine Baker's spy life.
Explores her role during World War II.
Written by bestselling author Damien Lewis.
Uncovers previously hidden letters and journals.
Highlights her contributions to the Resistance.
Celebrates her legacy in three countries.
A must-read for history and biography enthusiasts.
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Price Range: $15.20

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Price: $15.20

4

Swans of Harlem: Five Ballerinas' Legacy (50 Years)

Explores five Black ballerinas' untold history.
Celebrates fifty years of sisterhood and resilience.
Longlisted for PEN/Jacqueline Bograd Weld Award.
Richly detailed account of ballet's hidden contributions.
Features inspiring stories of groundbreaking women.
Illuminates the glamour and grit of ballet.
A must-read for aspiring dancers and historians.
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Price Range: $17.72

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Price: $17.72

5

Duke Ellington: Musical Life and Legacy

Explore Duke Ellington's influential jazz career.
Detailed biography from birth to death.
Interviews with friends and fellow musicians.
Chronicles jazz's evolution through Ellington's life.
Insightful for jazz veterans and newcomers alike.
Captivating narrative by Bill Gutman.
Celebrate the legacy of a jazz legend.
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Price Range: $2.99

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Price: $2.99

6

Two Tango Two Step L Night eBook

Explore L.A.'s vibrant dancing scene.
Experience Eve Babitz's unique writing style.
Learn about popular dance hotspots and teachers.
Delve into various dance styles and techniques.
Discover the passion behind the dance culture.
Inspiration for dance enthusiasts and beginners alike.
A lively narrative that ignites a love for dancing.
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Price Range: $3.99

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Price: $3.99

7

Life Revised: The Isadora Duncan Edition

Captivating autobiography of Isadora Duncan's life.
Restored to its unexpurgated and original form.
Includes a revealing introduction by Joan Acocella.
Highlights Duncan's revolutionary impact on modern dance.
Explores her artistic passions and personal tragedies.
Offers insights into her fierce idealism and independence.
Essential reading for dance enthusiasts and historians alike.
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Price Range: $16.40

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Price: $16.40

8

I'll Never Change My Name: A Memoir

Inspiring immigrant story from Ukraine to America.
Heartfelt memoir by Dancing with the Stars champion.
Explores childhood struggles and cultural adaptation.
Shares intimate family stories and memories.
Includes never-before-seen photographs of Val's journey.
Foreword by brother and fellow dancer, Maks.
Motivational message for dreamers and aspiring artists.
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Price Range: $11.36

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Price: $11.36

9

Patrick Swayze: A Complete Biography (Actors)

Explore Patrick Swayze's inspiring life journey.
Learn about his Texas roots and upbringing.
Discover his passion for ballet and dance.
Uncover early roles that launched his career.
Delve into his iconic film, Dirty Dancing.
Understand his struggles with addiction and cancer.
Gain insights into his lasting legacy in Hollywood.
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Price Range: $2.99

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Price: $2.99

10

Holding On to the Air: Suzanne Farrell's Autobiography

Spellbinding memoir of ballerina Suzanne Farrell.
Features unique collaboration with George Balanchine.
Chronicles Farrell's journey from Ohio to stardom.
Includes over 100 ballets created for her.
Honest reflections on personal and professional challenges.
Celebrated professor of dance at Florida State University.
Highlights her legacy in the ballet world.
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Price Range: $26.04

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Price: $26.04

11

Chance and Circumstance: Cage and Cunningham

Memoir of renowned dancer Carolyn Brown.
Twenty years with Merce Cunningham Dance Company.
Insights into Cunningham and Cage's creative partnership.
Explores New York's vibrant artistic community.
Chronicles the company's rise to international acclaim.
Captures avant-garde dance's struggle for acceptance.
Significant impact on twentieth-century modern art.
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Price Range: $26.95

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Price: $26.95

12

Don't Think, Dear: A Journey Through Ballet (Paperback)

Explores ballet's impact on modern women's lives.
Author shares personal ballet journey and experiences.
Highlights resilience and heartbreak of ballet dancers.
Investigates former classmates' fates and challenges.
Weaves stories of iconic ballet figures throughout history.
Examines contradictions faced by women in today’s world.
Includes supplemental PDF with audiobook purchase.
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Price Range: $22.04

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Price: $22.04

13

Out of the Corner: A Memoir (Paperback)

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER memoir of Jennifer Grey.
Candid insights into Hollywood's challenges for women.
Reflects on childhood and family legacy.
Shares her iconic role in Dirty Dancing.
Explores struggles after a life-changing surgery.
Inspiring journey of reclaiming identity and self-worth.
A relatable coming-of-age story for all women.
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Price Range: $18.00

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Price: $18.00

14

Ballerina: Monica Loughman eBook Edition

Enchanting story of a young ballerina's journey.
Follows Monica Loughman's experiences in Russia.
Details rigorous training in a strict ballet school.
First Western European at Perm State Theatre.
Highlights perseverance amidst post-Soviet challenges.
Reveals ballet's hidden struggles and realities.
Engrossing tale of determination against the odds.
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Price Range: $6.55

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Price: $6.55

15

Martha Graham: A Biography of Her Life

Explores Martha Graham's remarkable life journey.
Written by a celebrated choreographer and friend.
Details her innovative dance language development.
Covers her training and early successes.
Insights from over sixty years of friendship.
A comprehensive biography for dance enthusiasts.
Highlights her lasting impact on modern dance.
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Price Range: $20.82

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Price: $20.82

16

Mr. B: George Balanchine's 20th Century Legacy

Pulitzer Prize finalist biography of George Balanchine.
Explores Balanchine's genius and artistic thirst.
Winner of prestigious awards for arts writing.
Based on a decade of extensive research.
Details his life during tumultuous 20th century.
Includes interviews and archival research insights.
Highlights his revolutionary impact on ballet in America.
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Price Range: $17.75

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Price: $17.75

17

Diaghilev: A Life by Sjeng Scheijen

Major biography of Serge Diaghilev, impresario of Ballets Russes.
Includes an eight-page gallery of full-color illustrations.
Highlights collaborations with iconic composers and artists.
Explores Diaghilev's dramatic personal life and relationships.
Based on extensive research in little-known archives.
Depicts Diaghilev's influence on modern art and ballet.
Recognized as a New York Times Editor's Choice.
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Price Range: $46.99

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Price: $46.99

18

Agent Josephine: American Beauty and Spy

Reveals Josephine Baker's secret spy life.
Bestselling author Damien Lewis uncovers hidden history.
Highlights her bravery during World War II.
Explores her impact on multiple countries.
Includes previously undisclosed letters and journals.
Recognizes her legacy in the French Panthéon.
Combines entertainment with historical significance.
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Price Range: $15.69

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Price: $15.69

19

Michael Jackson: A Life Biography

Explore Michael Jackson's extraordinary life journey.
Learn about his rise with The Jackson 5.
Discover the impact of his album Thriller.
Understand controversies and challenges he faced.
Uncover his late career and comeback attempts.
Delve into his lasting legacy as an icon.
Get insights into his personal life and struggles.
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Price Range: $9.99

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Price: $9.99

20

The Wind at My Back: Lessons from Raven Wilkinson

Heartfelt memoir by Misty Copeland.
Celebrates mentorship and shared history.
Details friendship with trailblazer Raven Wilkinson.
Explores challenges faced by Black ballerinas.
Highlights intergenerational connections in dance.
Honors unrecognized contributions of past dancers.
Inspires resilience and perseverance in the arts.
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Price Range: $14.29

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Price: $14.29

21

Michael Jackson: A Biography (Musicians)

Explore Michael Jackson's incredible life story.
From humble beginnings in Gary, Indiana.
Rise to fame with The Jackson 5.
Landmark album: Thriller changed music history.
Controversies that affected his career.
Legacy continues to inspire generations today.
Concise and informative biography for fans.
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Price Range: $19.99

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Price: $19.99

22

Baryshnikov: Journey from Russia to West

Chronicles Baryshnikov's rise in the dance world.
Details his childhood in Soviet Russia.
Covers his dramatic defection to America.
Explores his impactful career highlights.
Illustrates his contributions to classical ballet.
Includes insights from fellow dancers and critics.
Captures the essence of a dance legend.
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Price Range: $21.60

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Price: $21.60

23

ABBA: Definitive Biography by Bright Lights

Definitive biography of legendary pop group ABBA.
Revised and fully updated edition available now.
Chronicles ABBA's rise, fall, and resurgence.
Includes insights on ABBA Voyage concert experience.
Features personal lives of each band member.
Originally gained fame by winning Eurovision 1974.
A must-read for ABBA fans and music lovers.
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Price Range: $20.00

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Price: $20.00

24

Enchantment: The Life of Audrey Hepburn (eBook)

Captivating biography of Audrey Hepburn's life.
Reveals her elegance, style, and grace.
Features insights from friends and colleagues.
Explores her childhood in Nazi-controlled Holland.
Highlights her iconic film roles and achievements.
Discusses her impact on women's fashion.
Details her devotion to UNICEF charity work.
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Price Range: $14.99

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Price: $14.99

25

Going Our Way: Life with Jim Ed Brown

A heartfelt memoir of love and perseverance.
Insights into life with country legend Jim Ed Brown.
A journey of dreams and aspirations intertwined.
Funny stories and valuable lessons shared.
Reflection on marriage lasting over fifty-four years.
A glimpse into the dance studio experience.
Faith and grace highlighted throughout the narrative.
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Price Range: $14.50

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Price: $14.50

26

Josephine Baker: The Hungry Heart Biography

Authoritative biography based on extensive research.
Candid exploration of Josephine Baker's tempestuous life.
First black sex symbol of the last century.
Heroine of the French Resistance during World War II.
Reveals her complex relationships and feuds.
Highlights her global family and diverse connections.
Inside story of a unique and iconic star.
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Price Range: $22.95

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Price: $22.95

27

Josephine Baker: Hungry Heart (eBook)

Authoritative biography based on twenty years of research.
Candid portrayal of Josephine Baker's tempestuous life.
First black sex symbol of the last century.
Heroine of the French Resistance during World War II.
Reveals her complex relationships and feuds.
Explores her diverse personas and cultural impact.
Inside story of an unparalleled star in history.
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Price Range: $21.50

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Price: $21.50

28

Mao's Last Dancer: Li Cunxin Audiobook

Inspiring true story of a ballet dancer.
Follows Li Cunxin's journey from peasant to performer.
Explores themes of perseverance and self-discovery.
Emotional insights into family and sacrifice.
Captivating storytelling that resonates with audiences.
Perfect for fans of dance and autobiography.
A transformative listen for all ages.
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Price Range: $21.88

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Price: $21.88

29

Fifteen Years of a Dancer's Life (1913)

Captivating memoir of Loïe Fuller’s artistic journey.
Explores innovative contributions to dance and performance art.
Evolution from child actress to dance pioneer.
Details groundbreaking use of lighting and fabric.
Insightful reflections on late 19th-century culture.
Interactions with iconic figures in the arts.
Complete original edition with introduction by Anatole France.
Price Range: $18.90

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Price: $18.90

30

Once a Dancer: An Autobiography

Intimate autobiography of ballerina Allegra Kent.
Witty and evocative writing style praised by critics.
Captures the charm and unpredictability of dancing.
Details her struggles and remarkable resilience.
Insightful recollections of Balanchine's ballet world.
Explores themes of identity and self-discovery.
A captivating journey through a dancer's life.
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Price Range: $21.67

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Price: $21.67

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