Member-only story

Somewhere: The Life of Jerome Robbins

Connor Mitchell

·9.7k Followers· Follow

Published in Amanda Vaill

4 min read · 1 month before

1.2k View Claps

92 Respond

Save

Listen

Somewhere: The Life of Jerome Robbins

by Amanda Vaill

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5016 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	754 pages

Jerome Robbins was one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th century. His work spanned ballet, Broadway, and film, and he was responsible for some of the most iconic dances in American history.

Born in New York City in 1918, Robbins began his dance training at the age of 10. He quickly showed a talent for choreography, and by the time he was 16, he was creating his own works.

In 1940, Robbins joined the Ballet Theatre (now American Ballet Theatre),where he choreographed his first major work, "Fancy Free." The ballet was a critical and commercial success, and it established Robbins as a major force in the dance world.

During the 1940s and 1950s, Robbins continued to choreograph for the Ballet Theatre, as well as for other companies, including the New York City Ballet and the Joffrey Ballet.

In 1957, Robbins made his Broadway debut with the musical "West Side Story." The musical was a smash hit, and Robbins' choreography for the show's iconic dance sequences, such as "Mambo" and "America," is still considered some of the best work of his career.

In 1961, Robbins directed and choreographed his first film, "West Side Story." The film was a critical and commercial success, and it won Robbins an Academy Award for Best Director.

Robbins continued to work in both theater and film throughout the 1960s and 1970s. He choreographed some of the most memorable dances in film history, including the "Jet Song" from West Side Story, the "Somewhere" ballet from West Side Story, and the "Rumble" from West Side Story.

In 1989, Robbins was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. He continued to work until his death in 1998.

Jerome Robbins was a visionary choreographer who left an indelible mark on the world of dance. His work is still performed and admired today, and he is considered one of the most important choreographers of the 20th century.

Somewhere: The Life of Jerome Robbins

Amanda Vaill's biography of Jerome Robbins is a fascinating and intimate portrait of the enigmatic choreographer.

Vaill draws on extensive research, including interviews with Robbins' friends, family, and colleagues, to create a nuanced and complex portrait of the artist.

The book explores Robbins' early life, his training, his work in ballet, Broadway, and film, and his personal life.

Vaill also delves into Robbins' struggles with mental illness and his relationships with other artists, including Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim.

Somewhere: The Life of Jerome Robbins is a must-read for anyone interested in dance, theater, or film.