Beginning with his Cuban childhood in Miami, this autobiography of famed dancer Fernando Bujones covers his life from his years as a gifted student at the School of American Ballet to his 13-year career as principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre (ABT). Among these recollections are his incredible rise as the youngest principal dancer with ABT, how he became the f
Beginning with his Cuban childhood in Miami, this autobiography of famed dancer Fernando Bujones covers his life from his years as a gifted student at the School of American Ballet to his 13-year career as principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre (ABT). Among these recollections are his incredible rise as the youngest principal dancer with ABT, how he became the first American dancer to win the gold medal at the Varna International Ballet Competition, and his time spent in the tumultuous years following Mikhail Baryshnikov's takeover of ABT. Bujones took an abrupt departure from his beloved company and subsequently found superstar status with his international career. He continued to touch the lives of those around him—as well as those who watched his performances—until his unexpected death in 2005.
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Hardcover
,
342 pages
Published
May 1st 2009
by Higher Educ. & Technology Consultants
(first published 2009)
This is an amazing story of a young boy, born in the USA, who returns to Cuba with his Mother, who taught young girls ballet. Since she took him to the ballet classes with her, he began to be interested in ballet too. He was accepted into a new group started by the government which consisted mostly of orphan boys. At an early age, he and his mother then had a difficult escape from Cuba.
Once in the United States, Fernando had to be coaxed back into dancing. However, his early talent was obvious
This is an amazing story of a young boy, born in the USA, who returns to Cuba with his Mother, who taught young girls ballet. Since she took him to the ballet classes with her, he began to be interested in ballet too. He was accepted into a new group started by the government which consisted mostly of orphan boys. At an early age, he and his mother then had a difficult escape from Cuba.
Once in the United States, Fernando had to be coaxed back into dancing. However, his early talent was obvious and he was seen and awarded a scholarship to the School of American Ballet (Balanchine) in New York, where he also finished high school.
This is the story of how goals can be achieved through determination, hard work, and the support of family. Fernando went on to become the youngest principle dancer for American Ballet Theatre (ABT), was the first American to win the gold medal at the International Ballet Competitions in Varna, Bulgaria, and returned to ABT just as Mikhail Baryshnikov defected from Russia and joined ABT. The book takes you behind the curtains of the world of ballet. Fernando's career takes place throughout the world, continues with his role as Artistic Director of the Orlando ballet, and finishes with his tragic death at age 50.
The book is written by Fernando and finished by his long time coach and mentor, Zeida Cecilia-Mendez. It also includes "Remembering Fernando" segments from many of his fellow dancers, as well as reviews by dance critics throughout the world. This is a wonderful, beautiful story, which I would recommend highly! I loved it!
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