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Karen Morell’s professional career began when she auditioned with the New York City Ballet for the San Francisco production of The Nutcracker when just a child. By 16 she was living in New York and had several local performances to her credit. In 1961, she completed her first professional engagement with the Metropolitan Opera and went on to perform with Ruth Page’s Chicago Opera Ballet until she joined George Balanchine’s New York City Ballet. Ten years later she moved to Europe where she joined the Het Nationale Ballet Company. During her performing career she danced in many of the larger opera houses in the world. In 1976 she was the recipient of the Fulbright/Hayes Scholarship and set a precedent by becoming the first American to be accepted to, and graduate from, The Vaganova Choreographic Institute located in Leningrad, USSR.
This book contains fascinating, never-before-seen material that documents these facts, as well as personal letters and postcards to her family. Also included are writings from her personal diary and journal that bear witness to the classes, rehearsals, and performances she attended. Karen’s writings enumerate the deep complexities of the pain, turmoil, and pride she felt while pursuing these endeavors.
Those who dance are aware that dancing is contained only in one’s self - although they may not admit it aloud. Karen had the foresight to record these innermost feelings not only while she danced, but during her entire dancing career. Without a doubt, she left a very personal record of fascinating, and sometimes harrowing, experiences for those who dance. I am honored to provide her rarefied insights into the trials and tribulations, the ups and downs of the dance world; and to convey my feelings about such a magnificent dancer and human being.
