Interview with Gelsey Kirkland

[@zoerphl]

we need a tv series about this era of ballet dancers in NYC.

[@cinefilocinefilo]

YESSS

[@juliew1426]

A TV series about each era of ballet would be really interesting. I would eat it up with a big spoon.

[@zoerphl]

@@juliew1426 way better than whatever that CW seeming netflix show! haha

[@rennimagee4016]

Facts!

[@deborahjackson6897]

A television show about ballet dancers would allow others to be educated about their career.

[@valarieiosue5538]

I admire her strength and honesty. Her book, Dancing on My Grave, is incredible.

[@4Topwood]

I'm not a dancer, not even a real balletomane, just an ordinary fan. But I think as a dancer, Kirkland is peerless. She didn't just dance the steps, she danced the music. Her artistry was astonishing. She moves me like no other. Truly la sin par.

[@taroman7100]

I totally agree. I'm breathless watching her. Literally!

[@lilafeldman8630]

She dances like Osipova. That light graceful quality.

[@stevegerberding139]

I really respect her. I like that she tells hopeful dancers to use their minds, and that you cannot find the answers in the steps, but to strive to become an artist, not just a dancer. She is a wise woman.

[@carolejean5102]

Her autobiography, "Dancing On My Grave", is a brutally honest look at both herself and the world of ballet. It is one of the most riveting and memorable books I have ever read.

[@paulinegallagher1675]

She has some pretty choice things to say about Mr B, too. His undying groupies are like Trump fans - they insult and try to belittle anyone who challenges the questionable practices of their hero. Gelsey personally experienced the Balanchine system and suffered as a consequence. She did not thrive at NYCB, however many principal roles she was given. Opinion is subjective, and in this case, the opinion is Ms Kirkland's, and it is resolutely negative.

[@latsnojokelee6434]

From what I've read Balanchine was obsessed by the male body and wanted women to look that way too, hence all the starvation and screaming at them that he wanted to see ribs. Unfortunately his thoughts impacted an entire generation including my second ballet teacher who felt I could not go on point shoes because I was "too big" .

[@toeknee1965]

also I loved how funny she is

[@marytarantinoo9118]

I agree. I read it years ago and was shocked by her torment. Ballet does not ruin people, it,s just a step there🤗or should i say steps. Gelsey strove for perfection that is un-apptainable, except in our imaginations. I hope she can teach and inspire ballet dancers. But i doubt it. Striving for perfection is of course, not only in the dance world, but is in many other venues. Bless you, gelsey and all that seek a career like yours. And please....listen.

[@deloresredman4792]

Same here. Most interesting book I have ever read. Could not put it down.....i

[@kevindonohue2912]

A very sad footnote is that Patrick Bissell died on December 29, 1987 of a drug overdose. I remember seeing the headline about a dancer dying of an overdose as I ran to catch a bus and I had this sinking feeling that it was Ms. Kirkland. It is a testament to her strength and resilience that she lived through this nightmare. She remains one of my favorite dancers ever.

[@lindabelew5579]

Wally’s passing was indeed tragic. His full name was Walter Patrick Bissell, and he went by Wally when we attended The National Academy of Dance together in 1972 - 73 in Champaign, Illinois. It was a boarding high school for pre-professional ballet dancers and we studied under renowned teachers at the time. A few of us knew of Wally’s pot smoking back then when he was fifteen. He grew into a lovely leading male dancer with ABT. Such a shame that his drug use ended his life. RIP, Wally.

[@smoothiegodess]

Yes one of my favorites as well ... she was an inspiration to keep going

[@Dane_Youssef]

@@lindabelew5579 I heard of Bissell's story. I personally put all the info on his IMDb page to honor his passing. I also put more than 70% of the intel on him for Wikipedia.

[@michaelcummings9838]

Yes, very sad. And, coincidentally, December 29 is Gelsey's birthday.

[@arielburrow9433]

Wow... this comment just made me very emotional

[@hrhpaula6067]

As a ballet dancer from that era, she was definitely my role model. I distinctly remember this episode from 60 Minutes and have looked for it for YEARS. Thank you for posting this!

[@Marcel_Audubon]

is that why you had plastic surgery yourself?

[@Maggie-cd9hc]

i trained at her summer intensive a few years ago and felt so lucky to be in her presence! i was so intimidated, but she ended up being so passionate & kind 🥺. I remember in rehearsal her telling us she never wanted us to suffer in silence if we were in pain while we were dancing which was definitely an attitude i had never been around before lol

[@evaedholm9859]

😮

[@a.phillips6892]

I love Gelsey, and always will. I met her once, and will always be grateful for being that close to her. No one will ever be as great a dancer as her.

[@orlihimmelweit2105]

Thank you for posting. One can never get enough of Gelsey dancing. I hope she is happy and healthy in all aspects of her life.

[@alexandra3ogden]

I know her and I saw her every Sunday at our church in Richmond, ME. Though she has terrible foot pain, she is married and happy. And such a beautiful and sweet lady.

[@orlihimmelweit2105]

@@alexandra3ogden That is wonderful to know. She is not forgotten by her fans. I am only sorry there is not more film/video of her! May her pain be reduced and abated.

[@jerrybaba2]

Once after class, I kneeled down to watch Gelsey rehearse through the arched window to the studio down below. I believe it was the Romeo and Juliet pas de deux, she put out a cigarette, her hair wrapped in a scarf, and walked like a duck to the center of the room, once she began to dance she transformed into the most beautiful creature. When she finished, I was in tears, as I turned a whole crowd had gathered and all were wiping away their tears. Ballet has always been tough, but we are not used to such discipline today and in order to deal with such harsh treatment, many dancers become masochistic, lose self-esteem, self medicate and generally fall apart. Dancers need to be counseled today to learn how to deal with the many obstacles inherent in the profession. These dancers are just as talented as ever, but they have never experienced such treatment by anyone and need mental coaching to keep them on track. When discipline breaks the spirit and destroys the character, it must be checked!

[@kcenzer9633]

I had the distinct pleasure of a lifetime to watch her Juliet. Never anything like it. Ever.

[@simonedevlin7710]

Yes I can relate to her dilemna in a major way. I started my ballet lessons at age 5, at sixteen weighed 98 pounds and nearly passed away. I went on vacation to Italy, and I gained 16 pounds. Unfortunately, the movie camera is not favourable to a ballerina weighing 120 pounds. I gave up my dream, learned that I would never be a superstar ballerina or model but was content to be a teacher who enjoyed adult ballet lessons. Happiness comes when you share your talents with the young hopefuls. I am grateful for all the blessings I received from my family and do not regret inspiring all of my students over my teaching career. I feel so much empathy for Kelsey Kirkland and how she sacrificed so the whole world could be inspired.

[@danaliz1211]

You saw her in class? I love her. Both her books were presents to me from my parents. I read them repeatedly.

[@jerrybaba2]

@@simonedevlin7710 I think you made the wise choice. Instead of fearing to make a mistake for a short time you can prevent the mistakes of so many others and be a creative, positive force in the lives and careers of so many, for so much lomger.

[@patriciafoster3347]

Romeo and Juliet with her is my favorite!

[@tootsiePOP745]

it's amazing that she survived

[@lilafeldman8630]

It was terrible. That book. I mean it was a good book, but terrible experiences.

[@takenoprisoners837]

Gelsey Kirkland is my favorite ballerina of all time, she is perfect threw my eyes, nobody is as fierce as she is when she got onstage. She blows my mind to this day. Watching her dance the Nutcracker with Barishnokov made me want to be a ballerina at such an early age. I followed my dreams because of her.

[@maccllnd]

I was in a Giselle with Gelsey, She and Patrick Bissell danced full-length Giselle at Elitch Gardens in the summer of 1980 as guest artists of Colorado Ballet. I was in the first act, one of the village peasants. At one point, another dancer and I put Gelsey our shoulders and walked around with her as part of the harvest celebration. Rehearsing that bit was hilarious. I’m 5’11.” The other dancer was about 6’2.” So, our shoulders were not even. It was a rough ride until we figured out how to match our strides to minimize the rocking that occurred because of our different shoulder heights. Gelsey was very patient and we had a few laughs as we worked it out. Watching her first act mad scene close up, in rehearsal and during the performance was astounding. The first time I watched it during rehearsal, I was afraid she really was going mad even though I knew it was an act. She didn’t “mark” it during rehearsal. She went for it full stop. Amazing. Bissell was pretty much of a jerk to everyone but Gelsey. He was then the “enfant terrible” of ballet and enjoyed that reputation. Before opening curtain, he liked to sit in his dressing room and play heavy metal music on a boom box at very high volume. A couple of the company dancers thought this was sacrilege to do before Giselle. Personally, I didn’t really care. But he did it to be offensive and annoy everyone. Mission accomplished.

[@knife-wieldingspidergod5059]

Thank you for sharing Mac!

[@nancygould2346]

In

[@Omgirrl]

Awesome story!

[@BAFFLED-u4o]

I read her book. Gelsey wrote how horribly abused Patrick Bissell was by his mother physically and emotionally which may have led to his substance abuse which resulted in his death. She is a compassionate person. And thank you for the story.

[@jerrybaba2]

I truly enjoyed your story and so many of the comments. Ballet-loving people are just so sensitive, tender, and creative, they're magnificent.

[@mbartra]

Watching this in 2021, and IMO, in spite of the drug abuse, she was a phenomenal dancer. God gave her this amazing resilience and talent and even save her life from drug overdose. She is a walking miracle in all the sense of the word!

[@Ayyeliki]

Agree! Despite the drugs, or any eating disorder, she had an undeniable astounding Beautiful talent! My favorite, too! Hope she’s at peace these days ( I also read the book…)

[@vickyk1861]

what I like to Gelsey Kirkland is that she gave EVERYTHING on the stage. She did not hold anything for herself...Very few artist are able (or willing) to do so. La Callas was one of them

[@jameshknight8804]

Kirkland was an amazingly gifted dancer.Some of my best memories are from her performances.

[@CLASSICALFAN100]

She also gave up her health, her sanity, her self-respect, and just about gave her life. Nothing is worth THAT much...

[@tinawalton7703]

I saw Gelsey Kirkland dance with Royal Ballet in London at this time -- Romeo and Juliet. She was wonderful and the audience went wild. It was very exciting, and great to see such a talented artist make such a triumphant come back.

[@havenization]

Lucky you .(.She did Romeo & Juliet for the Queen). this was one of the ballets she requested when joining RB. , the other was "Sleeping Beauty " -Someone somewhere has a video of this ...can you imagine :)

[@Saavedra99]

+havenization she never joined rb. she only guested with them in one r&j, one sleeping beauty, and a gala (r&j balcony scene) in 1986.

[@havenization]

Obviously I meant Gelsey joining the RB as a guest - I was a scholarship student with David Howard when she did this "guesting" , she would often call David's studio to speak to him( he often coached her ) Scholorship students often worked behind the front desk taking calls . Makarova , Cynthia Harvey and even Baryshnikov often rang l ! However and most importantly my reply to Tina Walton had more to do with if there is video of Gelsey Kirkland dancing Aurora in the RB version of Sleeping Beauty ( when " she only guested with "them" in one r&j, one sleeping beauty, and a gala (r&j balcony scene) in 1986.") ....LOL!!

[@tinawalton7703]

Did she really only dance three performances with them? That seems like a waste of time. I'm 99.99% certain I went to the full length ballet, not the gala. However, I also vaguely remember seeing Dowell and Sibley doing a sort of one-act Hamlet around this time so maybe, if that was part of the gala -- it was a looong time ago. By the way, Havenization, I used to take class at David Howard all the time, but it sounds like you were a few years after me -- small world, huh?

[@tinawalton7703]

Also, as long as we're reminiscing, I remember I went to a Sleeping Beauty gala (not Gelsey) when Prince Charles attended and a protester -- anti-Charles, not anti-ballet -- started yelling right when the fairies came on. That was interesting. Don't ask me who was dancing though, I can't remember either Principal. (Sorry, my memory is really rubbish.)

[@barbaral.h.1717]

she was and still is my favorite Ballerina. Thank u Gelsey for all the breathtaking performances Brava.

[@alexandra3ogden]

I know her, she lives in Maine and goes to my church in Richmond

[@Dane_Youssef]

What she mostly did for the ballet world was personally ripping the cover off and personally exposing the unhealthy sickness and practices that were going on... But even if she never had, this proves--what am I saying, there's plenty more proof out there... that she really was a true artiste, a visionary, a master in the environment that we call ballet. Ballet... is a better place, a better practice, a better everything... because of her.

[@patricia2180]

Dane is commendable that you want to praise this very talented dancer for her very valuable contribution to the ballet world, don't worry so much about the exposition of her unhealthy habits and practices or the association that she might have with other influences, the most important thing is that we all learn from each other. Her experiences can be used for us to learn to choose better outcomes in our personal life. People, places or things happen for us to help us learn something about ourselves if you choose to accept. We are brothers and sisters, regardless if you are good or evil. We are all extensions of Source, You are all a part of Source, Prime Creator, The Holy Spirit who is the Mother of ALL Creation. Each one of us constitutes a unique part of the Creator. One angle of the Creator. Part of HIS BODY.

[@ashleyjason8839]

Dane Youssef I love what you wrote about her!

[@Senecart81]

Unfortunately, there is still a dark side.

[@paulinegallagher1675]

@@Senecart81 Nothing has changed in ballet. Kirkland was a serious drug addict, and years of cocaine do great harm to the psyche as well as the body. Her NYCB revelations made no difference at all. Balanchine's worshipful dancers, in retirement, painstakingly stage his ballets all over the world. The 'girls' chosen to dance are always stick thin. I doubt that aesthetic will ever change. Just look at Russian ballerinas, for example. Thinner than thin. Every company world-wide hires only the skinniest. Eating disorders are still rife. Kirkland continued to starve long after she left NYCB.

[@marcilk7534]

When I was a young dancer, I read Dancing on My Grave. I grew up wanting to be a professional ballerina, but I lived in a small city without professional level classes. Looking back at my life and knowing what the life of a dancer could be from that book, I’m fortunate for things to have turned out the way they did. I still love to watch ballet, and pray that as the years pass, a culture develops that discourages such damage to a dancer’s body.

[@cherishoneal9108]

“He cared how it looked, not how it felt.” Revelation

[@fabiesque]

the greatest ballerina of all times. A true artist

[@havenization]

I see you posts on a lot of Sylvie's videos , Like you I love both Sylvie and Gelsey , but who would you say really is the greatest ?

[@mcloayza29]

She is good, yes. Not the best though, I would nominate Maya Plitsekaya (I think that's how its spelled)

[@fabiesque]

thank you for asking!!! In some way my heart is more with Sylvie's because I have "grown up" with her in the sense of flying everywhere throughout the years to see her dancing. Gelsey I have never seen on stage but somehow she is the greatest because of her spirituality. Hard to compare. If you are interested my absolute trinity is made of Gelsey, Sylvie and Alessandra. Then, of course I love or respect other people too.

[@lauriemiller6305]

@@alixinitalics Osipova is only a jumper!

[@lauriemiller6305]

@@alixinitalics fake acting!

[@taroman7100]

I fell in love with her Sugar Plum Fairy interpretation. I'm no ballet dancer but it was so enchanting and impressionistic I have been a fan ever since.

[@MooJoo5555]

she is the sugar plumb fairy. magical and a gift to earth.

[@melizmatea]

I love Gelsey - my favorite dancer of all time. And she is incredibly intelligent. Her book is fantastic - it goes beyond a book about the ballet world - her approach to her art, apart from the dangerous part, was so total and so committed - there is a lot of good to learn from her too. And I have to just add, I love her speaking voice! It's so not a "ballerina" voice!

[@rdred8693]

It's husky and world weary. I love it too.

[@ASDasdSDize]

For those of you who think she is exaggerating , this is so real. it's beyond real. I danced for fourteen years and my entire company was on coke. this is so much more real than you think. there is so many people suffering in this industry. you are verbally abused everyday for years for the sake of vanity. ballet might be beautiful, but what goes on behind the scenes is disgusting.

[@marialuisa4227]

So sad

[@crystalevans2123]

I am surprised that she could dance while on coke and not get severely injured.

[@ASDasdSDize]

Crystal Evans you would be surprised. the Corps De ballet in my company also had eating disorders. some people have stronger bodies than others. some can handle more drugs and abuse than others. It's sad overall, and I wish more people would tell the truth about the ballet world.

[@2degucitas]

Crystal Evans You don't feel fear or pain on coke. I'm sure she got injuries. She just snorted more coke.

[@2degucitas]

ASDasdSDize Thank you for your honesty.

[@Balletfreek16]

So many people try to downplay the effects of drug abuse, across all walks of life and not just in the ballet industry. Especially when a young person who is quite impressionable is bombarded with heavy pressures; mixed with an intense will to please. The road to hell is paved with good intentions. I had the pleasure to learn several lessons from Gelsey when she taught at my school one summer. I have never had such a brilliant coach teach me the elegant details of Aurora down to the very fingertip. Her mind and will is a priceless gift; one that survived the ravages of a scary substance that many never see the end of. She is the truest example of strength and self-realization. I try to convey the same messages of strength and positivity to my students now.

[@marcypalmer4219]

My fellow dancer friend was Gelsey's roommate at the School of American Ballet Scholarship house in NYC, so I saw her frequently. She always seemed aloof and totally focused on her pursuit so I wasn't surprised to see how successful she was in obtaining her dream, but saddened to know the toll it took on her, ultimately.

[@62flamenco]

When I was dancing at the American School of Ballet, the feeding school for the NYCB, I was caught up with that perfection craziness. I shall never forget the buzz when Gelsey and her sister Johnna came into the school - Two young kids with the perfect "Balanchine body." So, what does that mean? Like the Bolshoi, whereby you have to go before a panel of judges to check every inch of your body even before you take a step, the School of American Ballet had a panel as well. I was 8 years old and had no idea what they were "looking" for. I just turned and showed them my arches, my instep, my physique. We took class and they had us do very specific steps. I had to put on point shoes, so they could see what my feet looked like in point shoes. They checked my bone structure, my posture, my arms, my neck, waist, legs, and you had to have a "natural turnout" or forget it. Glad none of the above was ever verbalized, but after studying at the school for 9 years, I really understood the Balanchine playbook. It was rigorous and disciplined training by the best Russian teachers, whereby you literally drove yourself to be the best you could ever be. That said...How's this for an end: I fell down a 1/2 flight of stairs in the subway and smashed my left kneecap and had to quit. Yes, that's how it all ends sometimes. It was a brutal awakening for me. Fast forward 50 years and I still have a love for the dance. I understand what happened to Gelsey. She was perfection, but never felt quite perfect, nor was it ever explained to her that she had a God-given talent and that perfect was not what made her so spectacular. It was the package, with some flaws, but in the end, the package, the inner beauty, the drive, the love for the dance. She had that, but it was never enough for her.

[@mariaellis2882]

What year were you at SAB?

[@joannesmith9486]

BLESS GELSEY!! ❣️🙏🏻

[@knife-wieldingspidergod5059]

Thank you for sharing.

[@manbearpig7521]

I had body dysphoria when I was young and I totally relate to this amazing woman. She was beautiful and didn't need to change a thing.

[@twinkletoes6290]

Hell, I still have body dysmorphia as a recovering anorexic!!

[@psychoshamrock]

I am sooooo happy to see this on the 'net! I have been looking for this since it aired in 1986. So glad to see it again! Thanks for posting.

[@ltee1a]

When my sister and I were aspiring ballet dancers in the 70's, we both LOVED Gelsey Kirkland. She was our idol. I still think today that she was one of the greatest dancers ever. She blows my mind every time I watch a video of her dancing. (If we'd only had KZbin then! I'd have been on it all day watching ballet!) When Dancing on My Grave came out, I have to admit I mostly bought it because I thought it would be a good read - all that stuff about Baryshnikov and Peter Martins, behind the scenes at NYCB, etc. What I didn't expect was what an incredibly insightful, intelligent, inspirational book it was. I really came away thinking that it could inspire people in many disciplines, not just ballet. What amazed me was how much work she put into everything. She went outside of the company for coaching and to hire acting teachers, I believe. (I read it a long time ago, but this is what I remember...hope I'm right!) She approached her roles like an actress - she really analyzed every tiny movement and what the thought process would be behind it. She just worked her butt off, but in ways that other dancers probably wouldn't think of. She is a very intelligent woman. When I read the book, I understood why she was so amazing. But I found it inspirational. Yes, perfectionism can make one go crazy, but the way she applied herself and the way she did it (drugs aside, of course!) is an inspiration. I think artists of all kinds - actually people in any walk of life - can learn from her book. So I read the book for the salacious gossip and ended up learning a lot and having great respect for her....! She was, and is, a true artist.

[@Edward245100]

+Melizma Tea I got out of her book the same content as you did. What bothered me the most was her pursuit of perfection. This in fact may have had quite a bit to do with her undoing. No ballet dancer ever has to pursue perfection. After all, it is a humble art form that anyone can appreciate if only done reasonably well. Balanchine with his unrealistic standards bordered on practicing malpractice to dancers.

[@Hans6789-j9t]

Beautifully said

[@manfredfinch]

Love her intelligence and grit. She reminds me of Stockard Channing.

[@alanaronald244]

The voice, especially.

[@taroman7100]

AFTER Stockyards face work

[@Danijones4571]

Goes to show how much training we endure as dancers and how good muscle memory is that you can still dance THAT WELL on drugs. You really get ballet hammered into you.

[@CLASSICALFAN100]

Excuse me, but you've got it ass-backwards. Using the pain killers is the only way you can dance AT ALL, good or bad...

[@shhhh6174]

I’m so glad she had the courage to speak out. We tend to let our teachers shit on us and push us past our limits. It’s important for dancers to set and know their physical limitations. When we don’t, we get injured and it’s never worth it. Risking your entire career just to fit the aesthetics of one teacher is not worth it. If you got no more turnout don’t try making any!!! If you feel pain sit down. See physical therapists. Our bodies are our only instrument. We can’t exist on stage if our bodies are in tatters.

[@takenoprisoners837]

Gelsey Kirkland has been my favorite ballerina since I was 2 years old. I was inspired by her and wanted to be just like her. I got my wish. I've experienced the best times and the worst times imaginable. I still look up to her to this day. We both traveled a haunted road but eventually found a new path.

[@v.britton4445]

Gelsey is so truthful, we are so grateful.

[@heathercampbell1722]

She was exquisite to watch. Here's hoping today she has found peace in her life.

[@Marta44339]

Grazie infinite! Ho visto questa intervista a Gelsey alla tivu' in 1986. Gli inediti filmati sono stupendi, specialmente il Don Q con Baryshnikov e Giselle. Non ci sono tanti film di questa ballerina favolosa, e' bello vedere anche brevi pezzi della sua arte.

[@imperialtheatre8320]

I cannot say her story is truth or exaggeration or an alternate reality. What I can say is from my personal experience. Myself and a dear friend knew several members of a major ballet company based in New York. Whenever they came to my city, the first question was where they could score weed and or coke. Visiting them in NYC, a beautiful loft - there was coke on the table, partying into the early morning, coke before class, before rehearsals, performances - a continuous cycle. While this was not every dancer, every company, there is some truth to her story. Friends were lost to me because in their passion for dance, excess was apparent. They could hide their personal demons behind the dancing, and when not, drugs became another mask. Kirkland is the American Prima, her story - whether whole truths or the consequence of personal woes, either way she inspires and her life is also a warning to avoid the pitfalls of talent and an imperfect life for neither is the ultimate escape from wanting to be loved.

[@estellecollymore3697]

Imperial Theatre dancers in performance

[@63Baggies]

She was a PHENOMENAL dancer...

[@queenjillian3995]

Robert Dore what’s a PHENOMENAL dancer?

[@kathymyers7279]

@@queenjillian3995 Gelsey.

[@63Baggies]

@@queenjillian3995 Full Definition of phenomenal : relating to or being a phenomenon: such as a: known through the senses rather than through thought or intuition b: concerned with phenomena rather than with hypotheses c: EXTRAORDINARY, REMARKABLE

[@victoriasebanz281]

Bravo to Ms. Kirkland to owning up to her choices and to her desire to see American dancers learn in a more cultivating and supportive environment.

[@frau4bzna]

Thank you so much for uploading this. I'm almost finished reading her book. I admire her frankness. People aren't so open these days despite our ability to see them through social media.

[@dashriproch]

A true artist will fight any battle for their art. Bless you Gelsey. A true survivor.

[@annabelle.preppy]

Even under the influence, she dances like a goddess

[@Dane_Youssef]

They all start out that way... but then...

[@jackhersh1]

Yeah she is like the Lance Armstrong of ballet. I was thinking about her petit allegro on drugs. Flawless and amazing speed. I am convinced that the drugs helped her dancing in a way. Just not in a healthy way of course.

[@ra7271]

I had like dreams where my would-be ex in some life is forced to be Lance Armstrong and Katie Holmes forced me to run the NYC Marathon like I was in a hamster cage and would be whipped if I just walked it. Then I know he is taken by her and I then I want to play Anne Boleyn in a play and Katie Holme's new boyfriend was mad that I wasn;'t jealous enough. He hung out with the guy who opened Pink Taco Restaurant and who dated Lindsay Lohan, so I had to become really jealous. Then I apologized profusely as someone was pouring water into my mouth.

[@ra7271]

But for real, she reminds me of Nadia Comaneci.

[@nikkif.409]

But yet, her dancing was beautiful even before the drugs.

[@Cindy.P]

My all-time favorite ballerina. First for her beautiful dancing, next for her courage & honesty. Thank you, Gelsey 💜

[@shelleynobleart]

Tragic. For me, Ms. Kirkland possesses an otherworldly affect in her dancing. Not the drug addled spaceiness but an etherical nature and supremely refined technique. Tragic that she wasn't able to receive legitimate help for her insecurities, not that anyone in that world had any to offer anyone anyway. Recordings of her dancing are testiment to a dancer breathtakingly awe inspiring even all these years later

[@lacouerfairy]

Wow, I never imagined she'd have that voice. I always assumed her voice was wispy and girlish. Her book was a masterpiece.

[@jackhersh1]

Probably all the drugs lol

[@normanklein3155]

I studied with Gelsey, long after her drug days, and she was completely different from the person in this video, so don't judge her based on a phase in her younger days. When I attended her classes, she was a strict no-nonsense teacher. So for instance, if you were a few minutes late for class, she wouldn't let you as she wanted you there early so you could sufficiently warm up. She was also MUCH louder than in this video. She had a voice almost like Bette Midler. I still remember her yelling "Pull up" with her knee in the middle of my back and both hands pulling back my shoulders. Gelsey should be viewed as a success as she did have a number of pretty significant neurotic issues but she was still a great teacher. I have fond memories of her class and nothing negative to say about her.

[@dianaarneson6590]

Yes, she sounds sort of like Fran Drescher playing The Nanny. But, after all, her voice doesn't matter----her dancing was the thing. And she was exquisite.

[@normanklein3155]

Yes. I sincerely hope she writes a book one day about her teaching methodology as its incredibly unique and insightful. It would be a huge loss to ballet pedology, if it departed with her. Her teaching methodology is non-obvious and at first glance sounds crazy, until you GET it. Here's an easy one, she'd ask her students to image themselves standing on a globe attempting to look over a fence at the barre. This compels students to reach further with their toes as the globe falls away, lift their heels upward, while straightening their backs to peer over that fence. After that, the imagery becomes even more involved.

[@itsaboutlife9829]

Well, if she writes that book - I want a copy!!

[@klaus3392]

As a young German dancer 23jears old I've been in NYC to visit my aunt Ruth Fellows( a former dancer of ABT) I used to work out ( more upper body strength) in Parcs swim & health Club. One time the concierge of the fitness Studio told me Gelsey Kirkland was watching you/while I was exercising a jazzdance routine. I could not believe that this superstar ballerina would do this. But Tom told me: she comes very often for swimming and showed me her name ( at this time everyone had to sign in ) I was so proud and happy❤

[@BAFFLED-u4o]

Her voice is nothing I thought it would be. I imagined she would sound like a little girl. She was a beautiful dancer. Thanks for the clip.

[@pam0626]

I have watched profiles of both Gelsey & Suzanne Farrell and am left with such a negative impression of George Balanchine. He was allowed to hold too much power at NYC Ballet. Being a Balanchine muse seemed like an absolute curse. A life spent desperately trying to earn Mr. B’s approval.

[@miriammoriarty8588]

Agree completely. His legacy needs a big revision.

[@knife-wieldingspidergod5059]

@@miriammoriarty8588 Not if NYCB can help it.

[@deecohen1383]

I agree

[@elizabethreillygleason4978]

@@miriammoriarty8588 there’s still an insane cult of personality that surrounds him. It’s disturbing and I really hope that changes. Sure, he was a great choreographer, but at what cost?

[@victoriac.attorneyatlaw]

I once took a ballet class with her in NYC, she was stunning. I remember staring at her and she smiled at me. It broke up the moment!

[@tiamia7139]

Exquisite perfection! She was my inspiration, one of the GREATS!

[@itsaboutlife9829]

Thank you so much for posting this. I had never even heard her speak in all of the years I have admired her. But regardless of what the drugs did for her - you don't dance like this unless you put the time in. I would love to see the alternate universe version of her story - all study and passion and no drugs, surgery, etc.

[@MTknitter22]

Well @Ballet Plus, then you get Margot Fonteyn who had a plastic personal life. She was the creation Margot Fonteyn and it overtook everything. There must be balance.

[@itsaboutlife9829]

@@MTknitter22 The balance comes with the "passion" - or at least I would hope so. You seek out art and study cultures to make your character as real as possible to you. You learn music so that the intricacies of what the orchestra is playing can be appreciated. You "well round" yourself.

[@vanessawyndham5744]

She was always my fave. As a student living in NYC back in the day I tried to see as many of her performances as possible with ABT.

[@raptorchick21]

I was a student at San Francisco ballet, with a Ford Foundation scholarship, Balanchine totally destroyed the whole goal of ballet, which was an enjoyment of dance from the stage to the audience. This was in 1966-1971, yes, Balanchine destroyed lives while he tried to perpetuate his feeling and goals of ballets. If you look at the old Ballet Russe, that is my style. My teachers were Vilzak and Schollar, both of Maryinsky theatre, they understood me, but the Christensen Brothers did not. They were Balanchine wannabes. SF Ballet wanted the bodies and women who would be submissive to the system. Madame Schollar who danced with Nijinsky, called me Madame Nureyev, Mr. Vilzak called me Nijinsky.. While I was female, I was strong and had high elevation. I know dancers must improve over time, but the true influence is in yourself, not the technique.

[@huntrichardson]

@maseratic boychik Troll? Well SMH, what a nasty thing say to a ballerina who has danced at a very high level, who said "the true influence is in yourself, not the technique." Her kind of comment comes only from someone who has mature perspective. What makes you an expert?

[@nicematisse]

Do you know Soili and Leo?

[@Jayjen35]

@@huntrichardson Probably the fact that there are so many Russiaophiles trolling around yt throwing as much hate as they can towards Balancing his company and towards American Ballet in general. Sorry but there is no going back to the ballet companies of eons ago where there was nothing but classical and romantic ballet. Non-appreciation does not equal garbage.

[@sosad9381]

@maseratic boychik wow she just gave her opinion and very respectfully! What an nasty jackass you are probably have a pea-sized brain no one can disagree with are you throw a tantrum like a baby! Go get some therapy! You're an idiot and a moron

[@SeldimSeen1]

She did her best in a crazy world. Glad she was able to tell her story.

[@DrSimpleBeauty]

I read that book as a teenager because I was in a Jr Ballet company and obsessed with her. The way she danced as the sugar plum fairy for the tv version of the Nutcracker I believe it was on coke because she literally hovered off the floor in a dreamlike state.....no fully present human being could ever have done that.

[@sisterearthful]

Gelsey Kirkland seemed focus in this interview. I was impressed in 6.56 to 7.29. She will always be a superb Prima Ballerina to me.

[@juliamarie5057]

So true! The code for me as a dancer growing up was the caffeine/nicotine diet. As my body was developing, I had to shut it down...when that wasn't enough, then came speed. I loved to dance, but God the body shaming was cruel, and what dancers did to compensate what terrorizing.

[@jameshknight8804]

She was possibly my favorite dancer. I knew that she had problems after her breakup with Baryshnikov but didn't realize that it all started at NYCB. I saw so many great performances with her and ,if not for the problems, I think she may have been considered the best.

[@AlexanderKedrov]

Gelsey is one of the greatest dancers!

[@nikkif.409]

What Gelsey says at the very end is very resounding about being an artist and not only a dancer. I danced and found my forte was choreography even though I enjoyed performing. I was just really good at creating movement. It was strange how I would meet beautiful dancers that couldn't improvise two steps if their lives depended on it. I think being an artist gives more purpose to the craft.

[@yodservant]

Went to school at Andover where her brother was teaching at this time...remember her well, what bravery, what she went through...

[@noraschmelebeck1014]

I never heard about her before ,but my goodness what great talent I hope she is happy now !

[@maggiea8488]

I've loved her since I saw her in Baryshnikov's Nutcracker. She was ,is, an amazing dancer. Thank you Gelsey.

[@jodiross1902]

Well Gelsey Kirkland is absolutely extraordinary and I am so glad that she went to the Royal ballet all of my training is Royal academy of dancing and I know my master teacher was not very fond of Balanchine and if American companies were turning their nose up to her after they do the damage to her I'm so glad that the Royal ballet saw her ability and her talents because when it all comes down to it ballet didn't come from America God bless you Gelsey and by the way my dear friends ballet master Natalia is good friends with Misha ❤️

[@annieboulton5759]

Oh so sad in the beginning. I'm glad things are better for her now. She is very beautiful and extremely talented. Good luck Gelsey, I think you are amazing xxx

[@OrangeElixir]

I'm so glad that you posted this. Thank you. I remember watching this when it first aired on 60 Minutes. I never forgot the scene when Gelsey turned her feet. By the way, I just found a documentary on Hulu called "Ballet Now" that sounds interesting.

[@irenes7297]

I guess this interview was before Bissel's death from an OD. So sad. I used to see him in class sometimes. I'm glad she managed to survive, and to share her experience.

[@MTknitter22]

But Diane Sawyer acts shocked. Judy Garland turned in exquisite performances on uppers.

[@Dana9437]

Her memoir, Dancing on My Grave, is excellent. Came out in the mid-80's

[@michelledillman6381]

I had her book! ❤️

[@lindaharrison3240]

I love Gelsey Kirkland and I am so glad you survived these years. BUT when I read her first book, nothing shocked me more than the girls who were hooked on heroin. How the....what the....HUH?!! It's true. Get Dancing on My Grave and see for yourself. I mean, I can understand why a dancer would do heroin, but how can they possibly get through the rigors of the art form while using that drug? Astounding.

[@marame5169]

Some how I think there should be the footnote that Patrick Bissell didn't survive his journal and died form an overdose.

[@kathymyers7279]

Mara Me yes so sad. I read somewhere they were BOTH fired so I'm sure this wasn't exactly being "ignored".

[@theoriginalsuzycat]

Oh that is so sad!!

[@Noodles-ik6vh]

He could not even afford groceries because he spent all his money on drugs.

[@calisongbird]

He died the following year after this interview was filmed.

[@jimberg3088]

My childhood neighbor and flame was NYCB principal at 14 Marnie Morris. Ballet was her life and death...the latter accelerated by drugs. Ugh. It just infuriates me as she was so much fun and so very talented.

[@nlbhaduri]

Her incredible artistry aside, listen to what this young woman is saying: her body, mind and LIFE were dispensible to the MASTERS of the ballet!!! And she is only one of many people in the industry that are consumed for the sake of their "art". How sad that something as beautiful as ballet can be corrupted in the hands of a powerful few. There is a difference between discipline and punishment in order to achieve a goal....what does that make us as humans, if we cannot see the difference.

[@havenization]

As Giselle in the 2nd act when she does those entrechat ...WOW!!

[@maryj.3876]

What I wouldn't give to see a full-length video of Gelsey in Giselle!!

[@beatnick92]

@@maryj.3876 There are some good clips posted on YT here of the most challenging parts from the first and second acts with Gelsey dancing them. The entire ballet is here with Galina Mezentseva in the role of Giselle. She is Russian and superb, like Gelsey, is older now, but the scenes live on in the videos

[@beatnick92]

Really!

[@judyvalencia3257]

I wish she hadn't done that to her lips. She was already so pretty.

[@hersheybros.3237]

judy valencia she was forced to do that

[@jenm2251]

I'm sure she wishes she hadn't too. Hers don't look as bad as they could've considering the methods she used in desperate times, I'm sure. It's sad she was forced to feel she wasn't enough even as amazing as she was. She was so vulnerable to the opinions & commands of those in charge of her career. She was also too driven for her own good. 💗

[@melizmatea]

@@hersheybros.3237 No she wasn't. Didn't you hear what she said? She chose to have plastic surgery in a desperate attempt to emulate Suzanne Farrell.

[@rowbom]

I feel the exact same way. I saw her in picture in Seventeen magazine just before she became famous and she had a pretty, natural looking face. Then a year later I saw her with the enhanced lips and did not recognize her.

[@Emper0rH0rde]

It was done *to* her

[@brittalbach416]

she was not just fiery and perfect but she looked so graceful and adorable too

[@SuperEfexor]

Gelsey è stata una leggenda...intelligente e sensibile, grande artista.

[@pandora4078]

I read her book in high school and it was an eye opening look into the seedy underbelly of the ballet world. Growing up I wanted to be a prima ballerina soooo bad. But I was 5'9 at 10 yrs old and would never have the body needed to dance ballet. So I watched everything I could. Gelsey is my fave ballerina not only because of ballet but her strength as a woman. It took some huge balls to expose the things she did. Bravo Gelsey!!!

[@kellyusher1]

I can watch her for hours. amazing lady and such a talent. I hate to say but she is not lying about the business. it happens and in gymnastics.

[@j6453]

She will always, always be my favorite dancer!

[@SnazzyDetritus]

Maybe someone SHOULD criticize Balanchine, SAB, NYCB or ABT.

[@kimjfriedman]

I've never seen ballerina moves like Kirkland. Wow!

[@philipcondenzio1035]

And you never will!

[@vitabuonavita2565]

I remember her when I was young and danced......she was my idol. i was so naive i didn't know she was in so much pain. she was beautiful and she didn't even know it. if only they would have built up the Ballerina's confidence the company would have had Better Dancers

[@astridschlegel7681]

I used to be a pianist for ballet schools and companies and I have to say that they are just as hard on their pianists as they are on their dancers. I played the waltz to Cinderella 50 times without stopping.while the dancers practiced across the floor. They never told me when I could stop they just kept going. The teacher would come up to me while I was playing and yell the counts in my ear ect. Ect. If i went to the bathroom and stayed there for an extra minute the teacher would go berserk I never got a raise never got Christmas present nothing. There was a. Blizzard once and my car wouldn't start .this teacher just went home and wouldn't help me .i wasn't even a dancer i just always wondered why all of this toward me. So imagine how much more brutal they are on their dancers. She is right. They treated their pianists like a jukebox which you put a quarter in every now and then.

[@calisongbird]

That’s really sad 😢

[@paulinegallagher1675]

I'm really sorry to hear that. They should always see the pianist as a key part of the team.

[@dannymarz2568]

Her ''Nutcracker'' in 1977 was the BEST I ever saw, she WAS Clara!

[@deborahstollman6238]

It just seems like everything is about money, who cares if they are killing you. I fell in love with Gelsey when I first saw her dance the nutcracker with Baryshnikov. She is absolutely beautiful and shouldn’t feel badly about her difficult times. What an incredible dancer!!

[@honestyfenix530]

I enjoyed watching her perform with Baryshnikov so much and now it's sad to see her looking this way.

[@edwardarckless3112]

She was just wonderfull and fantastique to see magnifique artiste.never to forget.Edward Arckless ex Royal Oper Ballet Covent Garden London and conservatoire de Ville de Paris France

[@karekare72]

Absolutely love Gelsey. ❤😇🙏

[@queerchoreography54]

She’s my favorite ballerina, ever.

[@joeljack1]

Great interview. Thanks for posting.

[@NEMO-NEMO]

Kirkland was everything perfect for ballet including a personality that sought to please. Balanchine became her father, brother,abuser, and owner. He knew what he had and recognized it from the moment he met her. Everyone knew that he was going to mold his own “Frankenstein”, and no one stopped him bc all the dancers wanted to be his “Frankenstein”… He was a god.

[@lauranydb7979]

My sister recommended "Dancing on my Grave" book to me, I read it three times. Then the movie came out... I hope you came out of this alive. What an experience.

[@Dane_Youssef]

I do wish they had illuminated a little about Gelsey's sister, Johnna... who went through much of this herself. They went through this together.

[@Marcel_Audubon]

why would they do that when they only had 15 minutes

[@Dane_Youssef]

@@Marcel_Audubon 15?!? This show is called 60 Minutes!

[@Marcel_Audubon]

yeah, but each segment is not!

[@Dane_Youssef]

@@Marcel_Audubon Johnna's trials and turmoil deserved to be addressed also. Look her up, has she got stories...

[@Marcel_Audubon]

We all have stories. If Johnna wants her stories aired in a weekly national newsmagazine, tell her to get herself famous. A 15 minute segment doesn't allow time for a sister's drive-by. The show would have to be eight hours long before they start bringing the family wannabes and nobodies in to fill time.

[@Reyne-fb7mj]

I knew a ballet dancer in the early 80s who was fired because she was doing cocaine. She was so pretty and effervescent. I was shocked to learn that many dancers in that company did cocaine. I didn't understand then how they could dance under the influence of that powerful drug. I applaud Gelsey for speaking the truth. It saddens me what she and other dancers did to their bodies.

[@AvalonMorley]

Isn't anyone else bothered by that ridiculous photo, with badly tied shoes, and the drawstrings popping out? You'd think an operation like 60 MINUTES could do the minimum research, and get a decent image for that!

[@DrSimpleBeauty]

AvalonMorley perhaps that was on purpose? Coming “undone at the seems”

[@redgillis3]

@@DrSimpleBeauty if they wanted that effect they could have shown a picture of real ballerina's feet. It's amazing to see the toll "beautiful pointe shoes" make on a dancers feet. You truly have to love dance to put your body through something so rigorous

[@v.britton4445]

Agree

[@paulinegallagher1675]

LOL i hate it. The got some girl to put on pointe shoes, sort of tie the ribbons and show to all who view that she is NOT a dancer and has the worst arch!

[@BrendafromFlatbush]

@@paulinegallagher1675 Ha, same thought here. Some intern got told to put on pointe shoes for the photo.

[@helenemartin9535]

She had a such grace. Mikhail Baryshnikov was very bad to her.

[@lindazelepugas1000]

A very close friend of mine was in the Milwaukee ballet in the 80's and they would weigh their dancers each week and the cut off weight was one pound over 115 , my friend is 5 ft 8

[@nikkif.409]

Say what you want but the woman could even dance amazingly on drugs. It is so strange to be that talented and beautiful and people will still nit pick on facial features and being even thinner than they already are. Apparently, they didn't see her impeccable technique.

[@minissa2009]

Nikki F. The aesthetic really waxes and wanes. I don't like the direction the Bolshoi is going in now, which is very much as Gelsey is describing (long, stick-figure limbs and younger), although they're still terrific dancers. The great ballerinas for whom Petipa created his ballets were all quite muscular and, really, give me Nela Nunez any day over most of the youthful stick figures!

[@minissa2009]

Nikki F. Muscle memory really can carry you a long way plus trained dancer muscle. I only saw her live when she was going through this and I did see the Tchaikovsky pdd shown here. The only odd thing I ever saw was in a full Don Q with Misha. In the first act variation where she travels upstage before the traveling pirouettes, she collided with two of the matadors, who then had to redirect her to her place. In the grand pas, she was suddenly preparing for a supported pirouette, which Misha appeared to think wasn't really the next step. But he adapted, she did a great variation and coda, and she nailed all the big sisonnes and turns in the first act variation. I had to wait for YT to post footage of her earlier career to understand how spectacular she really was. My favorite ballerina of all time, Martine van Hamel was wonderful because she captured what Gelsey seems to be saying here eluded her---she danced like she loved every minute of what she was doing.

[@2snowgirl520]

minissa2009 , I agree. The Mariinski Ballet as well. The females look like praying mantises. I have heard you have to be 5'7 to be accepted at the Vaganova ballet school now.