Tending the flame
Subtitle: teaching classical ballet in three continents
By: interviewed by Genie Guerard.
Contributors: Guerard, Genie, interviewer.; University of California, Los Angeles. Oral History Program.
Publisher: Oral History Program, University of California, Los Angeles
Published: 2000
Place of publication: [Los Angeles]
Language: eng
Number of pages: 458
Subjects: Hills, Margaret Graham,; Balanchine, George.; De Valois, Ninette, 1888-; Holden, Stanley.; Covent Garden (London, England); Royal Academy of Dancing (Great Britain); Royal Ballet.; Sadler's Wells School.; Ballerinas -- Interviews.; Dance teachers -- Interviews.
Genres: Interviews.
Description: The interview begins with Graham Hills's childhood, education and early performances in England, her decision to become a ballet dancer, her years with the Sadler's Wells/Royal Ballet as performer, teacher and senior ballet mistress of the school, her experiences in Ankara co-founding and teaching at the Turkish National Ballet School, marriage and motherhood, teaching dance to children, moving to the US and establishing a ballet teaching career in the US. Major topics of discussion include the teaching and training of dancers, Cecchetti and The Royal Academy of Dancing Examinations, training with the Sadler's Wells Ballet, dance in England during World War II, dance injuries, the relationship of dance to national culture, music for ballet classes, choreography and choreographers, professional dance in Los Angeles associated with the television and movie industries, comparison of teaching and training standards in the UK, the US and Russia, teaching in professional studios vs. academic settings, becoming an American citizen, and Graham Hills's philosophy of teaching and performing dance.