The Great Nijinsky: God of Dance

A tragic story of a cultural icon--dance prodigy, sex symbol, LGBTQ+ pioneer--this compelling work of narrative nonfiction chronicles a life of obsessive artistry and celebrity of Vaslav Nijinsky.

With one grand leap off the stage at the 1909 premiere of the Ballets Russes's inaugural season, Nijinsky became an overnight sensation and the century's first superstar, in the days before moving pictures brought popular culture to the masses. Perhaps the greatest dancer of the twentieth century, Nijinsky captured audiences with his sheer animal magnetism and incredible skill.

He was also half of the most famous (and openly gay) couple of the Edwardian era: his relationship with Serge Diaghilev, artistic director and architect of the Ballets Russes, pushed boundaries in a time when homosexuality and bisexuality were rarely discussed. Nijinsky's life was tumultuous--after marrying a female groupie he hardly knew, he was kicked out of the Ballets Russes and placed under house arrest during World War I. Unable to work as he once did, his mental health deteriorated, and he spent three decades in and out of institutions.

Biographical narrative is interspersed with spotlights on the ballets the dancer popularized: classic masterworks such as Afternoon of a Faun, The Firebird, and of course, the shockingly original Rite of Spring, which caused the audience to riot at its premiere. Illustrated with elegant, intimate portraits as well as archival art and photographs.

Author: Lynn Curlee
Publisher: Charlesbridge Teen
Published: 04/09/2019
Pages: 120
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.45lbs
Size: 10.10h x 7.60w x 0.80d
ISBN: 9781580898003
Audience: Young Adult


Award: Yalsa Award for Excellence in Non-Fiction for Young Adults - Finalist


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 02/18/2019
Kirkus Reviews 02/15/2019
Booklist 03/15/2019 pg. 58
School Library Journal 04/01/2019 pg. 97
Horn Book Magazine 05/01/2019 pg. 156
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2019 - Superior,Well Above Average

About the Author
Lynn Curlee has a master's degree in art history and has both written and illustrated more than a dozen books for children, including Trains, Skyscraper, Ballpark: The Story of America's Baseball Fields, and Capital. His work has been exhibited in Los Angeles, New York City, and Long Island.