Equipoise (The Life and Work of Alfredo Corvino)

In this insightful biography, dance historian Dawn Lille traces the life of Alfredo Corvino from his roots as a quiet, athletic boy in Montevideo, Uruguay, through his international performing career with some of the greatest companies of the 20th century to his long and fruitful years as a beloved teacher and ballet master. By weaving together interviews with Corvino's colleagues, students, and family with archival material from the Juilliard School, the Metropolitan Opera Ballet as well as the Corvino family, Lille has created a touching portrait of this wise, fun-loving and enigmatic man. Setting Corvino's own story within the context of the social, political, and artistic events of his time, Lille vividly explores the many forces and challenges that shaped this artist and educator. More than 40 photos, many never before published, illustrate the various stages of Corvino's life. Discussions with and commentary from his daughters Andra and Ernesta elucidate his teaching theory and basic exercises. Photographs with line drawing overlays by functional anatomy teacher and former Corvino student, Irene Dowd illustrate the equipoise of Corvino's approach to classical ballet technique. A foreword by Dominique Mercy, leading dancer with Tanztheater Wuppertal reveals the great gift Corvino gave to dancers and dance lovers everywhere through his life work.