Jerome Robbins, by Himself: Selections From His Letters, Journals, Drawings, Photographs, and an Unfinished Memoir

Vaill (Somewhere: the Life of Jerome Robbins) gathers a fascinating selection of illustrations, photographs, and writings from the personal archives of dance choreographer Jerome Robbins (1918–1998). Eager to escape Weehawken, N.J., Robbins attended college at New York University. In a journal entry, he writes, “There was no money to allow me to continue college... so then I decided I’d try dancing.” He studied with Senya Gluck Sandor, then worked his way from chorus member to soloist in summer resort and Broadway shows, before discovering a talent for choreography. Vaill expertly weaves Robbins’s insight into his artistic accomplishments: Robbins debuted as a choreographer with Fancy Free in 1944, and shortly after told a reporter, “I was just another dancer. Now I’m supposed to be somebody and I can’t get used to that.” As Vaill notes, Robbins went on to choreograph challenging pieces for the New York City Ballet, reinvent the American musical in such shows as High Button Shoes and On the Town, and jazz up many Broadway and film musicals including Fiddler on the Roof, Gypsy, and West Side Story. Provocative and illuminating, this portrait will delight dance enthusiasts. (Oct.)