Visit us at www.dancepulp.com. - Former ABT principal dancer Susan Jaffe recounts the story of her discovery by Mikhail Baryshnikov and how it launched her long, superstar career.
Her artistry moves me. This interview in all of it's rawness is a triumph. It makes me smile, because I know what she's talking about. You don't hear any of the cynicism of the dark side of professional Ballet back then. It's obvious she was able to avoid it. Her story is unforced, unpretentious and the absolute truth. She suffered many daggers thrown at her. They call them haters today. But they were treacherous; and willing to do anything to relieve you of your career. I'm so glad the fighter in her was able to prevail. The American dance culture, especially ballet, would be completely off balance ( no pun intended) had this lady, along with the likes of Cynthia Gregory, Suzanne Farrell and a few others had not been among the cream that rose to the top back then. Never a sexy, drug-adled, menacing scandal. Just an amazingly beautiful dancer and worthy steward of American classical ballet. Thank you, Susan. Thank you, very much. Every dancer should study your career, and learn your story. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
I love Susan Jarre, she was in movies, danced Swan Lake at the Presidential Inaugural Ball and all the classics. She was a rare American ballerina that was imbued with grace and gorgeous lines.
i saw her dance in Ballet Theatre as a child, it's so great to hear her story!!! and wow , 10 years to feel her worth,,,that's inspiring to those of us who lack confidence. she was an incredible dancer.
Very good point about the depth of earlier,esp European/Russian dancers. That's what it's all about. She feels like kindred spirit. As an artist (not dancer), that's all I have wanted too--the education, the passion, the work, the commitment to the essence of the art.
Susan Jaffe was a jewel in the crown of ABT. Her talent & dedication to the art form of ballet indisputable. This video shld be required viewing for all aspiring dancers. The hometown aspect important as DC with neighboring MOCO, especially Bethesda, valued the arts decades ago. There was a culture of support with education that drove students to pursue ballet and other careers in the arts. Jaffe's mother must have known her daughter was talented & nurtured it very well.
I grew up in Bethesda too, a generation before Jaffe. But yes, DC and environs so fabulous then! We were blessed, lucky, fortunate. What an experience and a privilege to be steeped in the culture and the beauty of the place.
I grew up in Bethesda, and that is true. It is privileged, and I don't know about now, but then it was in a good way. Less flashy I think--there were little dance schools in shopping centers, etc--accessible. And DC, well!!
Warm, intelligent lady. Wonderful to hear her talk about her career. Where is she? Union Square, I think. This interview sent me back to her performances. The depth that she wants and teaches is there.
Love, love, love Jaffe. Her beauty, charisma and sensual quality when she danced. Will never forget how sexy and glamorous she was dancing a segment from Western Symphony for the Balanchine Celebration.
Now here is someone a lot of people didn't think was going to make it in the field of professional ballet. Including her. "I had legs up to my ears and big feet". But then Gelsey Kirkland let her drug habit take her where inevitably where all drug habits will take someone... and she took the stage, long legs, big feet and all. Misha hand-selected her to take ballet somewhere very different. Baryshnikov said that he believes she would have a career in ballet. And so she did. How could she not? Why is there a law almost written in stone, that ballerinas must be petite? It's wonderful that she came along to break the mold. Shatter it.
Very interesting. Thanks for letting her tell her story without interruption. A beautiful woman. I started to go to ABT in 1981-82. That is when I discovered ballet and I still love the company. I think Kevin McKenzie has done a fabulous job as Director.
Because people tell them they are not even when they are, like here they told her to lose weight to get a chance even if her dancing seemed good enough. Then there's the constant competition between dancers.
"Some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them". Quoted to Margot Fonteyn by her director on her debut as Aurora.
I guess it might be the most abusive sports ever to still exist. And not just the female foot binding. The narcissist within is a nasty ugly beast but makes everything look shiny and bright on the outside...
Only in America can you come from another country, like Susan and Misha, and Godunov and stir up the pot! No other country would allow it. Patrick Bissel and Kelsey Kirkland were American Stars that I still remember very well! Susan Jaffe not so much. She had that stardom plopped on her. Just saying that’s why Trump won. Lol The drama of the ballet world. What a hoot
