Looking Back in Wonder: Diary of a Dance Critic

Discusses the development of dance from 1949 to 1984 and examines the work of dancers and choreographers.

In these diary entries a noted writer on dance vividly describes and reflects on choreographers, performers and critics who have filled his life with pleasure and delight. The pieces range in time from a 1950 review of Frederick Ashton's Illuminations to 198384 reminiscences about Balanchine, Graham, Horst and Denby. He also affectionately recalls artists Calder, Cocteau and Schlemmer, composers Ellington and Satie, comedian Bert Lahr, sitarist Uday Shanker and philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein. At the age of 80, Sorell has retained the child's ability to wonder. And having retired as a critic and teacher, he has become active as an artist: some of his drawings embellish this book, along with photos of his favorite dancers. Sorell is attracted to people like himself, such as Hanya Holm and Angna Enters who also painted, wrote, designed, directed and engaged in lives of fullness and accomplishment.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Sorell has written extensively about dance throughout his long and distinguished career as a critic, teacher, poet, painter, and translator; he has authored 20 books and contributes to leading dance magazines. His knowledge of arts other than dance adds a special dimension to his commentary. This diary is expansive, including reflections on ballet, modern dance, personalities, theater, music, history. The notes are frequently updated and provide a contrast to the critic's first impressions. Entries on the language of hands, Eastern dance, total theater, Martha Graham, and George Balanchine suggest the range of the writing. Sorell's broad-based and opinionated aesthetic sensibility makes for enjoyable and thought-provoking reading. For most dance collections. Joan Stahl, Enoch Pratt Free Lib., Baltimore
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.