Conversations with Megan, featuring Merrill Ashley

[@running179]

I'm really GLAD that you did this inter-generational talk. It's so important that the younger gen of NYCB speak with these brilliant former stars like Merrill Ashley. You should speak with Suzanne Farrell also. Are you going to find a way to archive these talks, maybe at the Lincoln Center Dance Library? You should! These talks are *gold*. (I saw Merrill dance tons of times.)

[@bouldergirl81]

Oh if you could interview Susan Farrell ! Amazing

[@susanpaul4752]

So did I...Merrill Ashley was a technical wonder for many years. I had the same 5th ring seat in the State Theater for about 10 years. I knew the choreography of many ballets...loved it all, knew all the soloists by their faces, bodies and styles...Allegra Kent, Kay Mazzo, Mimi Paul, Patricia McBride, Karin Von Aroldingen and many many others...Eddie Villella, Jacques D'Ambois, and on and on. Great Years to be in NYC. YES, Megan...these interviews are treasures!

[@running179]

@@susanpaul4752 And don't forget Suzanne!

[@susanpaul4752]

@@running179 ABSOLUTELY...I could never forget Suzanne Farrell...or Sara Leland, (recently deceased), Carol Sumner, Susan Pillare, Melissa Hayden , Patricia Wilde, Allegra Kent, Gelsey Kirkland...it goes on and on. Thank you Mr. B.

[@Hans6789-j9t]

Merrill Ashley .... I cannot express how important she was is to American ballet .....never ever did I ever see her less than a perfect technique. She wrote an amazing book called dancing for Balanchine .... She understood his aesthetic so intellectually and it showed in every performance I saw with her ... thank you merrill

[@David-pt8ge]

When Merrill Ashley is telling a story, you can see her reliving every emotion and detail of what went on in her face and gestures.

[@brendaannedufaur6244]

I loved Merrill Ashley in the 6 Balanchine Ballerinas documentary. I still remember how she was telling the student at the bar to present her leg like a beautiful elephant trunk reaching out and slowly uncoiling! God bless her but the student just wasn't getting it and Ms. Ashley was so persistent to get it right. It was such a subtle difference but really not subtle at all. If anyone hasn't seen the documentary please watch it. It is a real treat. Not many wonderful ballet documentaries are made so this is a gem.

[@katherineb9763]

I LOVED this. I've long adored Merrill Ashley, loved her book so much. I got into Pilates because of her. And while there are interviews out there .....there is nothing like this. So intimate. She is just amazing.

[@brendaannedufaur6244]

It is so wonderful to interview the greats like Merrill Ashley. Please interview all of them. And please interview John Cliffird too. Gelsey Kirkland. Johnna Kirkland, Mikhail Barishnikov, et al. The list is long. People don't live forever. We have to capture them in any way possible - interviews and the like.

[@bouldergirl81]

Gelsey Kirkland would be so good ! Please keep these going . Megan you are so beautiful and funny . You’ve helped me get through Covid . You have no idea the joy these interviews have had a tremendous impact on my life . Wendy whelan would be my dream

[@mathildewesendonck7225]

Oh yes!! I would love to hear a conversation with Gelsey Kirkland!!

[@utubewjh]

This was a wonderful interview, Megan. What you are doing here is just so valuable and important. Your enthusiasm and insights are tremendous. And I am happy for you that you are having this outlet to further understanding and enthusiasm for this wonderful art form. As someone who had the privilege of seeing Merrill Ashley in virtually all her roles from 1975 on I was thrilled by this particular interview. She was an astonishing dancer with a technique second to none in addition to her obvious and utter devotion to Mr. Balanchine. The first time I saw her was in Sanguinic in 4 T's on opening night of the fall NYC season of 1975. She took my breath away and as an experienced NYCB fan and friend who attended that night as well said: "You've just seen a star born." And he was right. My only regret of this interview was that Square Dance was not discussed more. She OWNED that role for many years and indeed I've never seen anyone to equal her in it, anywhere, since. If you ever have a chance to question her further on her remembrances of performing that part I would love to hear it. Anyway, thank you, thank you. And keep these talks coming. I too hope that you can continue to interview more dancers from Balanchine's era. They are a treasure trove of info. All the best!

[@meganfairchild6135]

We are doing a post-interview talk back this Saturday if you want to join. Check out the eventbrite link in the video description. You can ask Merrill a question for yourself!!!

[@vbl399-s4n]

Thank you Ms Fairchild for this wonderful interview. I grew up watching Ms Ashley dance on the State theater stage. So beautiful and genuine!

[@brendaannedufaur6244]

you are so lucky Valerie!

[@ballet2103]

❤Merrill. She is a legend.

[@barbaraburkhardt3047]

The much mentioned fabulous Merrill... especially your Sara Mearns interview.

[@brendaannedufaur6244]

I've rewatched the interview. What an incredible interview. It is fascinating how Ms. Ashley met her husband. She was such a beautiful dancer. I love the back and forth sharing of Meghan's interviews. It makes for great interviews. Such good stuff beginning to end. I was drinking it in.

[@rennywilder4509]

I love Merrill Ashley so much. I stumbled across her autobiography in an antique shop and I treasure it. I feel like it gave me a window into this life of a ballerina I never got to live. I read it my senior year of high school and finally put that dream to rest. Thank you so much for this I love your dancing :)

[@running179]

And OMG, I *saw* Merrill do "Ballade" with Ib Anderson!! I was lucky but didn't know it at the time.

[@brendaannedufaur6244]

Wow! Yes you are so lucky. I left a comment above about 2 new york times reviews of merrill ashley in ballade and the reviews were incredible. If only i could have seen it!

[@tinamccann8968]

Love Merrill Ashley!! Love you for the interview!! You really have a calling for getting people to open up. Thank you :-)

[@kxilonenk]

Two fabulous women, what an inspiration. Thank you.

[@jessaglenny]

I loved this. Thanks. I really appreciate the way your interviews enable the personality of the interviewee to emerge. I'd love to be coached by Merrill.

[@viktorianagy964]

This is definitely my favourite conversation so far! Listened to it twice. Love the new thumbnail design!! :) Looking forward to your next conversation.

[@katherinekilpatrick9971]

I love Merrill!! I read her book when I was younger and it changed my life as a dancer/teacher and as an audience member. She was my introduction to the genius of Balanchine and I know nothing can top the beauty he created. Thank you for this interview!

[@lakb45]

We all have that one special teacher who molds us in a unique way. What a gift to be able to speak to her. I am new to the ballet world, so I see Merrill as a great talent, but with her feet solely on the ground. She seems so practical, yet has the sparkle I see in many ballerinas. Thank you, Megan, for as always, being interested enough to let your guest tell her story. You two have a similar inner glow. Thank you with all my heart for pulling the curtain back and allowing us to see greatness up close and personal. 💐💛💐💛

[@a.phillips6892]

I loved getting to know Merrill, hearing her stories and unique experiences. Thank you Megan for another great interview!💕

[@ernestcastro6238]

Ms Fairchild thank you very much. There are so many wonderful dancers to interview. I wish some of the ladies from the 1970's were up here. Lilly Samuels, Renee Estopinal, Delia Peters and Debra Austin to name a few. Thank you so much for this.

[@raquelcolon5785]

Great interview. Never got to see her dance. When my mom started taking us to the ballet, she was retired for a while........ I like the name of the channel. months ago before you named it, I had titled it......... Beyond dance, conversations with Megan Fairchild. I was close.

[@meganfairchild6135]

;)

[@WeirdLittleDreams]

Gasps!!!!!! Yasssssss!!!!!!!! This is why we are about to duke it out in the auction for a conversation with you.

[@pheona1000]

What a treat - such a legend!

[@kcstill3108]

What a wonderful interview with Merrill. She is just so real. I loved her dancing so it’s nice to hear what her experiences were. Thank you!!

[@brendaannedufaur6244]

This was a fantastic interview. Google this: there is the most amazing review of Merrill Ashley in Ballade in a May 18, 1982 New York Times article. No text could praise a ballerina more. The writer, Jennifer Dunning, is brilliant. The review is so amazing to contrast with Merrill talking about Ballade in this interview. Merrill is so amazing. I could die a million deaths Merrill in Ballade was not taped. Things need to be taped, however so - with a cell phone videoing rehearsals or run-throughs or whatever is possible - for posterity. What a great loss. It sounds immortal. And there is another wonderful New York Times review of Merrill in Ballade in a June 13, 1989 article. Wow. Thank you New York Times for documenting all this beautiful ballet over so many decades.

[@karenkaren3189]

I watched this wonderful interview when it first came out, but I really needed to watch it again. I am living alone, very isolated right now. I practice yoga and walk a lot for both the physical and mental benefits. Last week I pulled something in my back. It's not serious, but it has been very hard to deal with emotionally, as I had to take a break from both activities for a few days. I remembered Merrill talking about her experience with injuries, especially the hip injuries that took such a careful recovery. Her words about just slowly doing a bit more, a little at a time were incredibly helpful to me. I am walking carefully around my apartment (we had a snow/ice storm this week), and doing very gentle and mindful stretching. I have calmed down and feel my body slowly healing. I also appreciated her remarks about just accepting reality. Of course she misses dancing, but she found another way to be useful and active in her Art. I miss having a body that could do 90 minute hot yoga classes, but I appreciate that I am healing.

[@deborahmielke620]

What a delightful conversation..such respect and admiration between you both. So much in common - the stress excitement nerves pressure insecurity and joy bundled into how you both traveled thru your careers to be so amazing. Thank you. 🙏 I saw Merrill do Jewels...incredible. I have yet to see you LIVE Megan but with all the opportunities NYCB has shared your dancing is also truly magnificent. Two treasured beauties in one interview. We are so fortunate.✨

[@marydalton8083]

O

[@E-Beth]

Still loving these so much! I’ve said it before, but the insight you give to the ballet world is just fascinating! Living in Texas, your world seems so different to mine, and these interviews are like a peek into your bubble. Also, I’ve always loved City Ballet from afar, I took ballet for 15 years and NYCB was always the ultimate. Your personality fills the space you’re in, and you can tell that it puts the interviewee at ease. Thank you for making these videos and sharing them, you’ve been a ray of sunshine for me in this pandemic. I’m an ER nurse, so I need all the escape I can get. I’d love to hear more about how the company works and how promotions happen, how things have been post Peter, how the dynamics are between dancers... Obviously there are boundaries there, but whatever you or your colleagues are comfortable sharing would certainly be interesting.

[@horsemama6112]

I loved how she met her husband! Most guys are uncomfortable being so forward today, different times for sure. I am also curious if the move to New York eventually worked out in her Dad's favor. What a hero father! Loved, Loved this interview!!!

[@laurene1389]

WOW, I loved this! What a treat to listen to such an icon talk so openly and candidly about her career and experiences. Another fantastic interview, Megan! Thank you!!

[@judithricca6915]

Megan thank you for another great interview ; this time with Merrill Ashley. I found it surprising that Merrill when she entered NYCB was not already the incredible technician that she was known for. I had the privilege to see her several times in Ballo and I also saw her in Ballade the two ballets Mr. B choreographed for her. I almost wrote created for her, but then I recalled that Balanchine said “ only God creates; man assembles.” It was also good to hear her and you talk about Sean Lavery, who was one of my favorite dancers.

[@brigittegilmore5756]

Awe Merrill Love you so much you are one of a kind noone had the fire in their legs like you. I remember being so inspired watching you when I was a student at SAB. What a treat thank you so much Meagan💜

[@nicholaswrest5838]

Wow, MFchild, such a great intvw w/ the great Merrill A!! THANKS. Will you do one with the super-great *Suzanne Farrell* too? And Gelsey Kirkland!! It'd be SO cool to see u spkg with those legendary ballerinas!! Hope you will!!! Missing NYCB a lot this 2020.:(:(

[@Hans6789-j9t]

Thank you also for these interviews ... they are such a light during these dark times... thank you so very much....Mary

[@kristiLB93]

Oh WOW!!! Merrill Ashley!!!😱🤩 Can't wait to listen.❤️

[@edwardwillinger8438]

Another great interview. I saw everything Merrill danced in her prime, including the premieres of “Ballo” and “Ballade” - fascinating to relive them through her perspective. Her direct, honest, no-nonsense manner here really recalls the way she was onstage. And that technique! Thank you again.

[@robrivax]

Wonderful interview! Loving this series Megan. And great to hear from Merrill about her absolutely incredible career. Also I want to say I appreciated hearing that Merrill gravitated to working with the apprentices. My friend was an apprentice at NYCB and she worked with Merrill as a demonstrator in the Balanchine Technique videos that Merrill worked on and after watching the videos I realized that the dancers in the video series were very lucky to have Merrill coach them. Kudos to you both!.

[@bettymaines6305]

Really missing your interviews. Hope you have time and more are in the the works. Also hope when things are back to normal you are able to continue with the interviews. They really help ballet lovers to build an affinity for the NYC ballet. Especially since with everything being copyrighted ( I guess that is the reason,) and with NYC having little “ performance “ presence on You Tube, the Company remains while prestigious, largely unknown- distant.(And for the performances on You Tube, the video quality is basically terrible as compared to Royal Ballet.). Love how you have made the Company more personable.

[@meganfairchild6135]

Means a lot to hear. Thanks so much. :)

[@erpollock]

I'm glad I have Merrill Ashley's book Dancing for Balanchine from 1985. It's full of her life and she demonstrates many positions. It's worth trying to find.

[@dylandance6391]

So great to watch these conversations as an SAB student!!!

[@FriendlyneighborhoodC8]

Omg this was amazing. Thank you both so much! What amazing stories and to include the pictures and video clip, no words! I can imagine how tough she is in the studio sometimes...it was great seeing her true self, light-hearted and happy. I would love to watch clips of her coaching too though 😍😍😍

[@michaelgarland7703]

Megan, thank you so very much for these talks. This one with Merrill was particularly wonderful. What an amazing dancer she was and so grounded! As for you, I so admire your resilience, intelligence, enthusiasm and insights. You are truly doing your art form a great service. And your dancing! I've followed your career for many years and you just go from strength to strength. Your decision to do "On the Town" was brilliant and you came back to NYCB stronger & braver than ever. And now you are pursuing your education to help you on your road forward. (Hopefully we will continue to enjoy your dancing a bit longer once this pandemic is behind us!) In any case, all best wishes to you and continue to bring us these talks. Brava!!

[@meganfairchild6135]

Thanks Michael! I plan on dancing after this pandemic for sure! And thanks so much for your support. :)

[@anitagough8117]

Just loved this a great Monday morning listen.

[@sameoldsteph]

Absolutely love this! (I love all your interviews but it was especially fun to watch someone whom I knew little about and who is a complete gem of a human, like you are, Megan!)

[@powerofalto]

I will never forget my last time seeing Merrill perform, in Barber. It was such an important moment, powerful moment. A real honor to be present for. She’s such a strong personality, forceful. She knows what she’s available to do and what are not her strengths. She sticks to her guns. I really admire her.

[@brendaannedufaur6244]

wow. so great that you saw her

[@susanbartlett-ye6476]

Great interview! Merrill is unique . Wonderful in depth interview

[@fanibardi5256]

Thank you for this beautiful interview Meghan❤️ Thank you Thank you🙏 You are both amazing.( Fani from Greece)

[@rossmiles7169]

Great Interview. .as usual !!!

[@bettymaines6305]

Love the interview. So interesting to hear first hand about the Balanchine experience. Thank you for all the wonderful interviews

[@myrajessicareichlen252]

Hey Megan: I love your dancing. I saw some of the comments here after your M Ashley interview & I agree that it'd be GREAT if you could interview the *great* Suzanne Farrell. Reasons why: you guys are so totally different. She's tall, you're short. She danced a lot off balance, & perfected it, with huge risks - you're always perfectly placed & completely technical & always centered. She almost became Balanchine's 6th wife, you never knew him. She was a seriously spiritual person (like Balanchine), you're very much of the here and now. She's in her 70s, you're in your late 30s. It would be fascinating to see you guys talk! For similar reasons, I think you ought to interview Jacques d'Amboise. He was reckless & daring like Suzanne. Also, have you thought of interviewing the *gorgeous* ABT dancer Isabella Boylston? (You should also talk with Gelsey Kirkland!!) THANK you for this series!!!! It is SO important for dance history.

[@homebodiespilates3533]

I love this interview! Thank you so much for the work your doing. Have enjoyed your classes too.😍

[@gymerin]

What a great interview! These are so much fun to watch💜

[@bethanyscott-donelan1624]

Loving these interviews!!!

[@gaiatutucci2585]

Interesting interview as always

[@WeirdLittleDreams]

The husband shade about the looks on stage!!! [Clutches pearls!] But I love the honesty between the two of them.

[@georginareid3828]

Great interview Megan !! You are so good at interviewing !!!!! Thank you so much

[@kathymyers7279]

Once again iv so enjoyed this. A full meal!

[@meganfairchild6135]

;)

[@toeknee1965]

So great to hear. I remember seeing her in square dance and had to run out and buy her flowers. Such joy she had. Also sad to hear stories of how Peter Martins ran that place and his lack of smart decisions . I mean really. He never put her in serenade. Seriously he did not follow a goddesses wishes? 😍♥️

[@lauragraham1122]

Love you Merrill !!!!!

[@kellymac2404]

Love this thank you 🙏❤️

[@shaunasavala5494]

I can really relate to the “career student” thing! Loved getting my masters degree and have considered getting a PhD to prolong getting a grown up job 😂

[@meganfairchild6135]

Haha!! Yes, it's addicting!!!! Good luck with everything!!! :)

[@running179]

Merrill *did* do a "Square Dance" perf also as a last-minute replacement for Kyra Nichols - I saw that too, after having seen Kyra in it several times. I think she did it with Bart Cook.

[@running179]

@Russell Hayman Yeah, you're not kidding!! I saw Nichols do it too - brilliant. I wish that this dancer, Megan Fairchild, would interview Suzanne Farrell.

[@myrajessicareichlen252]

Great discussion! STRANGE that Merrill said she never got a chance to do "easier" ballets. She did "Emeralds" a lot, but she just wasn't comfortable in that role (Violette Verdy's role). That was def easier technically, but Merrill wasn't comfortable in quieter, more subtle romantic-type ballets.

[@catherinehastings2063]

I so get the 'I like school!'. PhD next for you!!! Best fun ever if it is something interesting to you.

[@jjgnva]

You know I dreamed of dancing. I grew to 5'9 1/2 one summer and found it so hard after that...But lately I haven't thought of those truly gifted dancers who as you said, "Had Momentum" ..I am very lucky to keep working from home. and to be paid for working. I have donated twice to NYCB and then to the program Sara Mearns did. (I can't remember what that was called). I am making a promise to myself to come and see you dance once we are back. Being from DC I should be ashamed that I haven't gone before now. I have to see you, Sara, Lauren, and Ashley. Just have to. Sad to say I have been to three ballets in Russia during my adoptions and haven't gotten to see you fine ladies. I promise I will, and while there I will be ordering from BooKay while there! Best to you. Julianne

[@meganfairchild6135]

So sweet. :)

[@WeirdLittleDreams]

How much rep do the two of you share?

[@meganfairchild6135]

Theme, Square Dance, Divert, Tsch Pas, Donizetti, Ballo, Raymonda, La Source? off the top of my head!

[@fabiesque]

Merrill Ashley was the personification of Balanchine speed

[@WeirdLittleDreams]

But coaching and teaching technique are completely different!!!! Coaching is necessary!!!

[@tamirmickens89]

Clicked so fast.

[@WeirdLittleDreams]

Samsies!!!

[@WeirdLittleDreams]

🎇🎆💥🧨💣------🔫 Bang! Bang! Bang!

[@nicholaswrest5838]

I just noticed you called Merrill A "the world's best technician". IDK if that's true, actually, compared to ppl like Sylvie Guillaum, Darcy Bussell, Gelsey, etc? Or did you mean she was great in her time? Just a thought.

[@meganfairchild6135]

There are many talented dancers, but she is one of the many that stands out from the crowd! :) No one tackled a Balanchine ballet like she did.

[@nicholaswrest5838]

@@meganfairchild6135 Wow! I guess as an audience member I'd have to disagree on that, just bc of this *phenomenal* Gelsey perf of "T&V" - and GK did this at age 16. Just saying! But TY for the interesting reply: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZimkqWbqtqrgZY

[@IceAintNice]

@@nicholaswrest5838 please stop.

[@avesraggiana]

She was quick, fleet and most importantly precise. Merrill Ashley was blindingly quick. No one could move as quickly and as cleanly as she did. No one.

[@running179]

@@IceAintNice Why are you asking that person to stop? They make a good point about Gelsey Kirkland's performance in that video. Have you watched it? Please don't *censor* people.

[@myrajessicareichlen252]

Just 1 last thing: you're clearly super brainy, math/econ etc, but I seriously hope you don't leave the dance world to become a lawyer or something. NYCB & SAB & the Balanchine Trust could so use you, esp now that Karin's gone, Sally Leland is gone, Bonita died also, Allegra & Suzanne are getting old, Jacques is old, Patty is old, Eddie V is old....your generation is really needed to help bolster the tradition. So, I hope.

[@marydalton8083]

Mo nb NBC

[@WeirdLittleDreams]

Gah!!!! Square Dance and Who Cares are my least favorites. Don't get me wrong, I like them. I don't love them.