Holding onto the Air

Holding Onto the Air is the autobiography of Suzanne Farrell, one of the most significant American ballerinas of the 20th century. The memoir traces her path from a dance student in Cincinnati to her rise as principal dancer at the New York City Ballet under George Balanchine. Farrell recounts her experiences at the School of American Ballet, her entry into New York City Ballet's corps at age 16, and her emergence as Balanchine's leading dancer. The narrative follows her career through performances, relationships, artistic choices, and the complex dynamics within the ballet world of the 1960s and 70s. The book provides an insider's view of ballet culture and George Balanchine's transformative impact on American dance. Through her personal story, Farrell illustrates larger themes of artistic dedication, the costs of pursuing excellence, and the intersection of personal and professional life in the demanding world of classical dance.

Readers appreciate Farrell's detailed accounts of working with George Balanchine at the New York City Ballet. Many note her honest portrayal of their complex professional relationship and her openness about both triumphs and challenges in her dance career. Readers highlight the book's accessibility - both ballet enthusiasts and general audiences can follow her story. Multiple reviews mention her engaging writing style and ability to describe dance movements clearly. Some readers find portions about her personal life lacking depth and wish for more emotional insight, particularly regarding her marriage and relationships outside of dance. A few note that technical ballet terms can be confusing for non-dancers. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.16/5 (803 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (55 ratings) "She writes about dance with remarkable precision" - Goodreads reviewer "Too focused on Balanchine, needed more about her own journey" - Amazon reviewer "Clear-eyed account without melodrama" - LibraryThing review

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🩰 Suzanne Farrell was George Balanchine's last great muse, and he created over 20 ballets specifically for her unique abilities and style. ✨ The book's title comes from Farrell's description of the feeling of dancing a perfect balance - like "holding onto the air." 🎭 Despite being one of the most celebrated dancers of the 20th century, Farrell was initially rejected from the School of American Ballet for being too tall. 📝 Farrell wrote this memoir without a ghostwriter, drawing from detailed journals she kept throughout her career at New York City Ballet. 🌟 After her retirement from dancing, Farrell founded her own ballet company and became a respected teacher at Kennedy Center, passing on Balanchine's legacy to new generations of dancers.