A Body of Work

Dancing to the Edge and Back

By: David Hallberg

Narrated by: Vikas Adam

David Hallberg, the first American to join the famed Bolshoi Ballet as a principal dancer and the dazzling artist the New York Times described as "the foremost classical stylist of our day", presents an intimate journey through his artistic life up to the moment he returns to the stage after a devastating injury almost cost him his career.

Beginning with his real-life Billy Elliot childhood - an all-American story marred by intense bullying - and culminating in his hard-won comeback, Hallberg's brave memoir dives deep into life as an artist as he wrestles with ego, pushes the limits of his body, and searches for ecstatic perfection and fulfillment as one of the world's most acclaimed ballet dancers.

While rich in detail ballet fans will adore, this is a book that anyone interested in a life of creativity will love. Hallberg reflects on themes like inspiration, self-doubt, and perfectionism as he takes listeners into daily class, rigorous rehearsals, and triumphant performances, searching for new interpretations of ballet's greatest roles. He reveals the loneliness he felt as a teenager leaving America to join the Paris Opera Ballet, the ambition he had to tame as a new member of American Ballet Theatre, and the reasons behind his headline-grabbing decision to be the first American to join the top rank of Bolshoi Ballet, tendered by the artistic director who would later be the victim of a vicious acid attack. Then, as Hallberg performed throughout the world at the peak of his abilities, he suffered a crippling ankle injury and unsuccessful surgery leading to an agonizing retreat from ballet and an honest reexamination of his entire life.

Combining his powers of observation and memory with emotional honesty and artistic insight, Hallberg has written a great ballet memoir and an intimate portrait of an artist in all his vulnerability, passion, and wisdom.

©2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc. (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Fascinating Story about a fascinating artist

I kept putting listening to this title as I am not a big fan of dance. However, after reading some reviews, I decided it was a life story as much as a story about ballet and dance. I was not disappointed. The story is fascinating, and Mr. Hallberg's trials from being bullied as a. youth to self-absorption and redemption is fascinating. My only regret, I wish there were an "afterwords" telling what happened after the audiobook ends.

Extremely grateful.

Extraordinarily grateful to have this incredible title on audible. Hallberg's depiction of the life of an artist is beautifully rendered and his story gives me hope and inspiration. "Artistic integrity" is a phrase that comes up in the book and genuine tales of artistic integrity, even if few in number, really do, I think, provide unmatched solace. I will listen to this again and again.

INCREDIBLE for all of us : ballet dancers and fans

For long time ago I was looking for a book like this, and I found it.
It will take you from how he started it, how he discovered ballet and all the adventures a professional dancer takes.
I am a proud queer, but this is not a story about how his personal sexual life like another book.

It would encourage you to grow, believe in yourself and how to understand cultures around the world.

100% recommended!!

life changing

i chose this book due to mobility issues and though i am not a dancer it is easy for me to relate to the emotions. bravo david hallberg

Really enjoyed!

I learned more about ballet than I ever thought I would. An amazing path with all the pains and successes. Inspirational!

Fascinating inside view

Loved hearing about the ballet world from his point of view, his struggles and how he overcame so many personal obstacles. Vilas Adam is a wonderful reader. Loved this book.

will stay with you

I really enjoyed reading about this proud ballet dancer and his joys and struggles, very honest and lots of wisdom for anyone at the top of their game. Very well written and the reader was great.

A Pretty Great Listen

A lots of ballet informations all throughout the book. Unfortunately, I am not a big fan of ballet dancing. Nonetheless, I enjoyed how the author narrated all his struggles and how he overcame them. Overall, a pretty great listen.

Spectacular

If you love reading about the training process for any sport or dance you will love this. Ups and downs and lots of dramatic plot twists.

Addictive

Exhilarating story that tells you everything you wanted to know about behind the scenes of the professional ballet. Extraordinary.