Dancing with Shadows is a podcast that explores the culture and history of New York City's ballet through the voices of people who have spent their lives in the company.
It is built on the founder genius, the father of so-called American ballet, George Balanchine, and has seen some of the greatest works of modern times.
For journalist Nicky Anderson, childhood love for ballet has become a lifelong attraction to this unique, isolated, often complicated world. The way ballet demands absolute sacrifice. How do dancers push the limits of the human mind and body in order to pursue perfection?
Behind this company is a more complicated truth. Throughout its 76-year history, New York City ballet has faced allegations of misuse of power, major lawsuits and investigations of sexual, physical and verbal abuse by former ballet master in thief.
Balanchine had almost a godly position among his dancers, demanding an absolute commitment to him and his methods. This led to some of the greatest ballet ever, but also blurred the line between the personal and professional lives of so many dancers. History repeated itself when Peter Martins took over him.
Dancing with Shadows hears from ballet dancers who talk about the real culture of one of America's most prestigious arts institutions and what it's like to be an elite ballet dancer.
This is a story about the people who adorn that famous stage, what they became, the prices of art and genius.
The series was first media interview with Edward Villera, one of Balanchine's most famous muses, Allegra Kent and Chase Finlay's Edward Villera, who was also known for his girlfriend's sexuality in 2018. It includes an interview with Edward Villella since he was accused of sharing explicit images. With other dancers.
Host Nikki Anderson said: “Ballet is an island world. The intense demands of ballet training, the culture of elite companies, and the impact of key individuals within the art form have long been underreported, but still, it is very easy for everyone to learn. It contains many lessons.
“That's why we shine a light in this beautiful, complex world through the voices of our lives and breathing dancers. By dealing with the challenges of ballet, we are fostering change and our art forms have evolved. , aims to ensure that it continues to thrive.”
The first two episodes of Dancing With Shadows will be available from STAK as part of the Legacy series from Tuesday, February 18th.
