Balanchine's Dancing Cowboy

This beautifully written book tells the story of a talented boy, whose determination and hard work made him a prominent ballet dancer in Balanchine's ballet theater.If you are a ballet lover, you'll learn a great deal about Balanchine's ways of teaching his dancers, but also about this outstanding master's ways of teaching them to be better and wiser people. The book is full of exciting stories, and I immensely enjoyed its every single page. Strongly recommend it!

An incredible life story with insight into the rich history of New York City Ballet and the personal journey taken to become a part of it. The entire book is infused with spirituality, life lessons and wisdom that should be required reading for every student of ballet, and for any human being that aims to achieve something against unlikely odds. It was particularly amazing for me to read as an alum of Frank Ohman's school. Emily brought the inspirational, humorous, and profound anecdotes and stories we've all heard into a vivid new light and I will be delighted to reread them over and over - my personal favorite being the 'rebellious' teenager having to sneak records of classical music into the house. I highly recommend this book!

This account provides great insight into the golden era of dance. Ohman provides many stories about the people and the period. For example, Ohman was a cook in the army while in a dance company. In addition, his tales of Mr. Balanchine offers a look at the great man that is not often seen. Ohman's career spans the 1960s to the middle 1980s when America became the most creative, innovative and technically proficient place for dance in the world. Ohman, as a solist for New York City Ballet, chronicles not just his story but America's growth where a kid from the west can dance in the new capital of ballet--New York City.

Even non ballet aficionados will love this book. It's easy rhythm invites the reader to experience the dancer's life through the memories and recollections of Frank Ohman, a remarkable man. His collaboration with Emily Berkowitz has resulted in an autobiography of a fascinating journey. There are so many layers here - the blending of Mr. Ohman's early years contrasted with his professional achievements, dancing under Balanchine's tutelage to become a soloist and principal dancer of the New York City Ballet. He credits his growth as a man and as a true professional to many intertwining forces in his life, but especially to the support and strength of his mother, grandmother, and George Balanchine. It's very interesting, really. You'll enjoy it.

This is an amazingly personal story. The tale of Frank Ohman's life and his time with Balanchine and NYCB is an inside look into the world of dance that few get to see. His story is one of enthusiasm, talent, spirituality, and humility. The overwhelming message for me was that success comes best to those who plan and are spiritual, humble, balanced, and determined to do their best.With that said, it is important to note that Frank Ohman has had a profound impact on my life. As a teacher, philosopher, and mentor over the last 20 years, he has helped me more than he could ever imagine.

What a great read!! A truly great story and view into the world of the New York City Ballet, Mr. Balanchine, Frank Ohman and countless other ballet legends. I have never met Mr. B, but after reading this book I feel as though I know him. I laughed and cried, and read it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. A great insight into the lives of some of the greatest artists of our time.

This book gave me further light into the sometimes mysterious, but always inspiring world of Mr. Balanchine. He was truly a genius and the world is without a doubt a better place because of his contributions. The author's willingness to share his accounts and memories are also a gift in and of themselves. This book is a must-read for ballet fans worldwide.

Wonderful trip down memory lane. So much is forgotten as time goes on and this book is an incredible resource to recapture those lost moments. Dancers of all levels will benefit greatly from Frank's insights and help to keep the Balanchine spirit and genius alive for all to enjoy. It is an honor to have know Frank and danced with him "back in the day".

著者は長年ニューヨークシティバレエ団（NYCB）のプリンシパルダンサーとして活躍なさった方だが、ジャック・ダンボワーズやエドワード・ヴィレラ並みの名声のダンサーではない…と言ったら失礼だが、バランシン関連本を読み漁ってきたワタクシが「聞いたことない名前」でウィキにもページがござらんので、業界を超える名声を獲得したスターダンサーではないと見て宜しいかと。1962年に23歳でNYCBのオーディションに合格し1983年にバランシンの死とほぼ同時にNYCBを去った著者が、そのキャリアを振り返り、「我が師・ジョージ・バランシン」にオマージュを捧げた一冊。バランシンの死と同時期にキャリアを終えたダンサーは結構いるんじゃないのかな。男性スターの中心だったジャック・ダンボワーズがその自伝で、バランシンの病の進行と同時に踊る気力どころか生活規律さえも喪失していく自分の姿を描いていたもんだった。本書はひたすらに爽やか〜な内容である。脇道も寄り道も迷い道もなく、「バランシンの元で踊るんだ！」と夢に描いたアリゾナの少年が、健やかに育ち、健やかにバレエ訓練を受け、良い家族と良い教師たちに励まされてニューヨークに辿り着き、バランシンの前に立つ。善良さとひたむきさに溢れた青年が、バランシンを師と仰ぎ、父として尊敬し、バランシンに可愛がられ。あまりに爽やかなんで「ホントっすか！？」という不信も湧かないのである。こういう人生もあるのだ。バランシンは複雑な人間だったという人が多いが、それは違う、バランシンはとてもシンプルな人だった、と著者は言っている。そうなのかもしれない。天才より凡人の方が屈託と言い訳だらけで複雑過ぎるのかもしれない。或いは、「バランシン」は澄んだ水面のように観察者自身を映し出した人だったのかもしれない。金にも名声にも興味のない、真っ直ぐな心を持ったヘテロのアメリカ青年が見たバランシンは、まさに「慈父」そのもの。寵愛の深さ故に複雑な展開になった女性ダンサーたちと比べると、このようにバランシンと出会えた著者は幸福な人だったようだ。