{"title":"Jennifer Homans","description":"\u003cp\u003eDiscover the captivating works of \u003cem\u003eJennifer Homans\u003c\/em\u003e, a renowned author celebrated for her insightful exploration of dance and its influential figures. Her compelling narratives delve into the intricate lives and legacies of iconic personalities, offering readers a thoughtful immersion into the world of performing arts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn her engaging book, \u003cem\u003eMr B.\u003c\/em\u003e, Homans meticulously chronicles the life of George Balanchine, one of the most prominent choreographers in ballet history. This biography is a testament to her ability to weave historical detail with personal storytelling, providing readers with a rich tapestry of Balanchine's journey and his impactful contribution to the arts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you are a dance aficionado or new to the subject, Jennifer Homans' works in the Biography \u0026amp; Memoir category offer an enlightening and accessible gateway into the cultural world of dance history, making her collection an essential addition to your reading list.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"mr-b-by-jennifer-homans-9781847087751","title":"Mr B.","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMr B.\u003c\/em\u003e by Jennifer Homans is an exquisite cultural history that chronicles the life of George Balanchine, a trailblazer in the world of dance. Much like Picasso in painting, Balanchine transformed the art of dance and altered our perception of the human form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHomans takes us on a journey through Balanchine's life, beginning in his childhood amidst the opulence of Tsarist St Petersburg, through the upheavals of the Russian Revolution, the tumult of two World Wars, and the cultural dynamics of the Cold War. This narrative leads to New York, where Balanchine co-founded and directed the New York City Ballet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHis influences were diverse and profound. Although he identified as Georgian, he didn't visit his ancestral homeland until his fifties. The grandeur and beauty of the Orthodox Church left a deep impression on him, yet he was equally captivated by the vibrant new rhythms emerging from Harlem in the 1930s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBalanchine was an integral part of the Russian avant-garde, influenced by surrealism and other artistic movements, and collaborated with luminaries like Matisse, Diaghilev, and Stravinsky. His ultimate inspiration came from the young dancers with whom he worked. He sculpted their bodies and they, in turn, reshaped his imagination, sometimes leading to romantic infatuation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBalanchine surrounded himself with generations of people who shared his fervent belief in his artistic vision. The passions that fuelled him, along with personal losses, health struggles, and spiritual crises, echo in his dances, which profoundly express themes of love, loss, and mortality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith unparalleled access to Balanchine's personal papers and insights from those who knew him, Homans crafts a narrative that is both a story of love and exile as well as a testament to the colossal talent and relentless energy required to revolutionise dance. \u003cem\u003eMr B.\u003c\/em\u003e is a sprawling portrait of one of the most captivating figures of the twentieth century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46833328488684,"sku":"9781847087751","price":55.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/17604963482845.jpg?v=1758452703"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/collections\/jennifer-homans.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}