Dancer Edward Villella Stays in Ballet After Retirement
For three decades, Villella was a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet under George Balanchine. During that time, he also negotiated better pay for American performers. His career took a severe physical toll; now he's the artistic director for the newly formed Miami City Ballet.
Guest
Host
Related Topics
Other segments from the episode on July 25, 1990
The Greatest Violin Concertos Ever Recorded, Period
Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz has nothing but praise for two new CDs on the Pearl label, which feature recordings by the great violinist, Joseph Szigeti. Later in his career, Szigeti's developed a reputation for flagging technique and questionable intonation, but Schwartz says these performances should restore his reputation as a master musician.
A Christian Palestinian Promotes Non-Violent Resistance
Mubarak Awad grew up in the Occupied Territories; he later became a U.S. citizen, but returned to Palestine to advocate for civil disobedience as the best way to resist Israeli rule and discrimination. He joins Fresh Air to give his perspective on the intifada and Palestinian organizations like PLO, whose violent actions Awat sees as acts of resistance, not terrorism.
What Spelling Changes Say About French Culture
The French government will officially simplify the spelling of several dozen words, claiming the change will make their national language more accessible and appealing to foreigners. Linguist Geoff Nunberg questions the efficacy of the initiative, and considers how countries define themselves through culture and legislation.
Transcript
Transcript currently not available.
Transcripts are created on a rush deadline, and accuracy and availability may vary. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Please be aware that the authoritative record of Fresh Air interviews and reviews are the audio recordings of each segment.
You May Also like
Dancer and Choreographer Edward Villella Discusses his Life and Career.
Dancer and choreographer Edward Villella. Villella's new autobiography, "Prodigal Son," chronicles his rise as one of the best known male dancers and choreographers in the history of American ballet. It also looks at his often stormy working relationship with choreographer George Balanchine. (It's published by Simon and Schuster). (Interview by Marty Moss-Coane)
Ballet Documentary Chronicles Russian Company
Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new documentary, Ballets Russes, just out on DVD. It tells the story of ballet after the death of Sergei Diaghilev, who founded and ran the company until 1929.
Movie Review: Robert Altman's 'The Company'
Film critic David Edelstein reviews Robert Altman's new film The Company.