Biography
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Shortly after the New York Times had hailed John Cranko’s achievement as 'The German Ballet Miracle', his death mid-Atlantic deprived the world of one of its greatest choreographers. After leaving his native South Africa at eighteen, never to return, Cranko quickly became a resident choreographer with the Royal Ballet. He collaborated closely with luminaries such as Benjamin Britten and John Piper and encouraged the young Kenneth MacMillan. Tirelessly innovative, he devised a hit musical revue, Cranks as well as perennial favourites such as Pineapple Poll. His charm and wit endeared him to colleagues and royalty alike, but in the late 1950s his star began to wane. This, and a much-publicised scandal, drove Cranko to leave England for Germany. There, his work as director and choreographer of the Stuttgart Ballet enjoyed phenomenal success in USA, Russia and Europe. Fifty years after his tragically early death, Cranko’s story ballets continue to enrich ballet audiences around the world.
The author danced in the Stuttgart Ballet’s premieres of Cranko’s Onegin, Romeo and Juliet and many more. He reveals the man behind the masterpieces and explores an array of lesser-known works, bringing to light fascinating facts about the genesis of Cranko’s ballets. Lavishly illustrated with rare photographs, the book contains Cranko’s personal letters and extensive reference material. It brings the reader surprising insights into the life and work of a truly exceptional man of theatre.
This is a second edition.
Here's what readers have to say about this book....
I have just finished reading Ashley Killar’s biography Cranko: The Man and his Choreography, and now have a strong sense of a man I always admired but never knew and I feel such warmth for him. Through the depth of Ashley’s meticulous research, as well as his own experience of working with Cranko, Ashley’s skill as a writer has managed to bring Cranko to life. This is a magnificent and fitting tribute to an extraordinary man who, as well as being a creative genius, emanated such warmth and humanity. It is written with respect, intelligence, sincerity and integrity.
This is a really great read, I found it a real page turner and a fascinating insight into Cranko’s career. A great deal of time and effort has been put into this book by the author and the passion for his subject comes through in his writing, while taking us through the ever changing circumstances of Cranko’s turbulent life. Books on the life of ballet personalities are not usually top of one’s ’Must read ’ list, but the fact that this book has only been available for one year and is now on its 3rd print speaks for itself. A Must read……..!
I loved this book & I also loved performing in Cranko’s Lady & the Fool & Pineapple Poll. The elegance of Ashley’s prose & depth of research in tandem with his respect and affection for John Cranko make this an irresistible read. Do buy it!
I loved every bit of this extraordinary book - it now sits happilly with Jann Parry's Different Drummer (The Life of Kenneth MacMillan) and Julie Kavanagh's Secret Muses (The Life of Frederick Ashton) being the three essential books, beautifully written, about Britain's foremost 20th Century choreographers.
Really enjoyed the submersion into the the life and incredible talent of this wonderful choreographer. Well researched and beautifully written. Ashley is to be commended for his passion and care in writing such an insightful and inspiring account of Cranko’s life and work. Crafted with love and admiration. Don’t read it once - read it twice - it’s brilliant
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