Martha to Anna – Varieties and Anxieties of Influence
Our one-hour webinar on Thursday evening, January 19, 2023, exploring the complex affinities and inevitable divergences of Martha Graham and Anna Sokolow, was well-attended, lively and provocative. And it took a village of dance people. Gratitude and kudos to Samantha...
Martha, nestled next to Cary Grant…
...discovered by Fran Kirmser, Director of Strategic Marketing and Special Events, Martha Graham Dance Company, at her favorite independent bookshop, Books on the Common, in Ridgefield, Connecticut.
Martha Graham at Juilliard on International Choreographers Day – January 9, 2023
Martha Graham taught at the Juilliard School from 1951-1977. And there she was again, gracing the window of The Juilliard Store on West 66th Street in Manhattan, for all the world to see, in celebration of International Choreographers Day. Strolling by, I am reminded...
Thoughts upon noticing my new book on Martha Graham displayed in the window of the Rizzoli Bookstore on 26th Street & Broadway in “NoMad”
A fine pre-holiday winter evening in Manhattan, as I make my way down town on the west side of Broadway through throngs of darkly-clad young people, out and about, strolling couples, groups of friends waiting in line for a scoop of gelato, wining and dining at leisure...
The talented young students at Pittsburgh CAPA, the Creative and Performing Arts magnet
On the afternoon of December 2, under the community-based auspices of Pittsburgh Arts and Lectures, NB was honored to take lunch with principal Melissa A. Pearlman, dance chair James Washington Manning, and the dance and creative nonfiction faculty of Pittsburgh CAPA...
A thrilling night at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
On the evening of December 1, 2022, NB read from Martha Graham - When Dance Became Modern, focusing upon the Graham technique, beautifully demonstrated by dance students from Point Park University, led by Graham dancer/alum Prof. Jesse Factor. A revelatory danceaturgy...
Memories of Ned Rorem (10.23.1923 – 11.18.2022)
I was at work on my biography of Man Ray in the fall of 1984, chatting with Virgil Thomson at his rooms in the Chelsea Hotel, and he urged me to call upon the composer Ned Rorem -- "Man knew him in Paris in the '50's," Thomson told me. I was warmly welcomed by Rorem...
Dance became truly modern @ NYPL/Lincoln Center
Anne Souder (Soloist) and Xin Ying (Principal) of the Martha Graham Dance Company brought NB's new MG biography to life with their vivid performances of Ekstasis and Medea -- and MGDC Artistic Director Janet Eilber's astute questions -- before an attentive and...
A wonderful evening & signing at Little City Books in Hoboken NJ
Dance critic and scholar Apollinaire Scherr talks about MARTHA GRAHAM with Neil Baldwin at Little City Books - November 10, 2022.
Pei-Ju Chien-Pott celebrates MARTHA GRAHAM
Pei-Ju joined the Company in 2011 and was a principal dancer until she moved on in 2016. I am so very proud that she chose to present my book on publication day.
The Martha Graham Tour Begins
Neil Baldwin at Watchung Booksellers, October 27, 2022.
Today I put all of my MG research in the attic
Fourteen linear feet of handwritten research notes from countless library and archival sessions; printed out transcribed notes from listening to audiotaped interviews and sitting with Martha Graham dancers in cafes and studios and homes; downloaded typo-riddled...