2022 is here and perhaps you’ve made some new year’s resolutions. This year, maybe you are hoping to do well in school, nail your triple pirouette, or read more books. If you are looking to spend more time reading, here are some book recommendations for dancers. Some of these reads include memoirs from famous dancers, poetry by dancers, and even a few about leaning into your creativity.
Evolved by Darcey Bussell is a look into her life in photos. After training at the Royal Ballet School, Darcey Bussell became the youngest British principal dancer at the Royal Ballet in 1989. In addition to her long career with the Royal Ballet, Bussell became president of the Royal Academy of Dance and International patron of the Sydney Dance Company. She is also a judge on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. This book is a breathtaking collection of her life, photographed by Lord Snowdon, Mario Testino and Annie Leibovitz.
Center Center by James Whiteside is described as “a groundbreaking memoir-in-essays from the American Ballet Theatre principal dancer / drag queen/ pop star who’s redefining what it means to be a man in ballet”. This hilarious yet raw book is a glimpse into the life of this dancer who is constantly pursuing his passions and challenging status quos. (Warning: this book is best suiting for mature audiences)
This book of poetry is written by dancer and artist Anna Antongiorgi. Filled with heartache, nostalgia, and comedy, this book of poetry dives into the author’s feelings about dance and being a young adult in New York City.
It’s no secret that many dancers sway towards perfectionist mindsets. Over her 17 year career with the New York City Ballet, Megan Fairchild is no stranger to the need to achieve, which at times, brought her issues with anxiety and eating disorders. In her book, Fairchild offers practical advice on how to stay calm in high-stress environments.
Another book by a New York City Ballet dancer, Georgina Pazcoguin is NYCB’s first Asian American female soloist. This book does not shy away from the dark side of ballet and the well-known controversies of NYCB. Covering topics like harassment, racism, and drama that goes on backstage, this book is gritty and shocking. (This book is pretty explicit so we recommend it for mature audiences only).
After getting her start on ‘Dance Moms’, Mackenzie Ziegler shares her tips on maintaining a positive outlook and staying confident as a teen performer. From her time on ‘Dance Moms’ to her experiences working with Johnny Orlando, Ziegler offers advice on navigating the world as a young dancer, singer, and actress. If you like this book, check out the New York Times bestseller, ‘The Maddie Diaries’ by Maddie Ziegler.
In 32 exercises, world-renowned modern choreographer, Twyla Tharp coaches the reader on how to implement creativity into their everyday lives. Whether you are an artist, a business person, or anything else, Tharp is of the belief that everyone can benefit from creative thinking. Inspiring and energetic, this book will really get your creative juices flowing.
‘Art & Fear’ by David Bayles is about making ordinary, possibly good art. This book emphasizes that you don’t have to be a genius to make art, you don’t even have to be good at it. Positioning artistry and creativity as characteristics that all people naturally possess to some extent, ‘Art & Fear’ helps reframe creativity and helps take the fear out of art-making. This is an excellent read for any dancer or who feels stressed or intimidated by their artform.
