Prodigal Son: Dancing for Balanchine in a World of Pain and Magic

Rating:
Summary: Excellent read
Review: Although not a literary masterpiece, it is an easy read. It was important historically to write this book. It helped put much into perspective, and documented an impactful life. As a late babyboomer child, I adored watching him dance on television. He made ballet interesting and exciting. I also met him at Illinois Wesleyan University in the late 70s when he was on the speaker's circuit. Now I know why he was lecturing at that time. His openness about his own weaknesses was delivered well without being too specific or tacky. Villella's strengths, however, were very well portrayed. As a long-time fan, it was important for me to see that he grew/integrated into not just a talent, but a good man/husband/father/mentor.

Rating:
Summary: an Important Work
Review: Although not a literary masterpiece, it is an easy read. It was important historically to write this book. It helped put much into perspective, and documented an impactful life. As a late babyboomer child, I adored watching him dance on television. He made ballet interesting and exciting. I also met him at Illinois Wesleyan University in the late 70s when he was on the speaker's circuit. Now I know why he was lecturing at that time. His openness about his own weaknesses was delivered well without being too specific or tacky. Villella's strengths, however, were very well portrayed. As a long-time fan, it was important for me to see that he grew/integrated into not just a talent, but a good man/husband/father/mentor.

Rating:
Summary: Inspirational and honest
Review: Edward Villella's passion for dance jumps off the pages.Diplomatic but honest, this is one of my favorite autobiographies by a former Balanchine dancer (or dancer period).It is a book where as I approached the end I felt sad...I didn't want it to end! If Mr. Villella ever reads this commentary I have a request: PLEASE write a book regarding all you have learned regarding technique.Your passion and detail moved and inspired me!

Rating:
Summary: Excellent read
Review: I am a dancer in Edward Villella's acclaimed Miami City Ballet and I would like to say (as biased as it may seem) that this is a must read. If you are a ballet dancer, or even a ballet fan, please purchase this book. It is a unique look at how men thrive in this dance world and still come out looking like men. It takes you deep into the world of ballet..the parts that most people don't see. Edward explains all of the secrets past the pink tutus and pointe shoes and shows what it's really like the be a part of our world. He is an amazing man with a facinating career and I urge you to buy this book because of that. You won't regret it!

Rating:
Summary: The Rocky of the ballet
Review: Mr Villella in this book try really hard to potrait himself like Rocky Balboa, but instead to became a boxer became a dancer. 90% of the book he critizice Mr Balanchine, and at the end declare his eternal love to him, no wonder thanks to Balanchine he have a book out and an artistic directorship in Miami. He repeatedly mention his troubling relantionship with Mr Balanchine because he never like Mr Balanchine's classes, I wonder how the situation with classes in Miami City Ballet?

Rating:
Summary: The Rocky of the ballet
Review: Mr Villella in this book try really hard to potrait himself like Rocky Balboa, but instead to became a boxer became a dancer. 90% of the book he critizice Mr Balanchine, and at the end declare his eternal love to him, no wonder thanks to Balanchine he have a book out and an artistic directorship in Miami. He repeatedly mention his troubling relantionship with Mr Balanchine because he never like Mr Balanchine's classes, I wonder how the situation with classes in Miami City Ballet?

Rating:
Summary: Captivating reading
Review: This autobiography gives a very interesting account of the authors life in dance under the direction of George Balanchine. The reading is very fast, as it keeps your attention, and there are photos inserted in the book that give more insight on the authors life and family. One gains an appreciation of the difficulties and joys of being a professional dancer while reading the book, and also insight on what it was like to work under Balanchine. A fine book for everyone interested in the personal lives of those who dance professionally.

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating!
Review: This was a wonderful book! It was so well written that it was almost as if Edward Villella were sitting in front of me telling me his life story. It was honest and heartfelt. I was glad that he not only told of his experiences with Balanchine but also of his life. In doing so, it personalizes his experiences and helps the reader to see him as a real person. This is not some stuffy biography! It is easily one of the best books I have read in years! I could not put it down.