Seven Statements of Survival
Contemporary Discourse on Movement and Dance
Seven Statements of Survival: Conversations with Dance Professionals is a 21st century response to Selma Jeanne Cohen's landmark work, The Modern Dance: Seven Statements of Belief. The book consists of seven interviews with exemplary dance professionals including dance writer Deborah Jowitt, dancers/choreographers Carolyn Carlson and Garth Fagan, dance administrator Andrea Snyder, dance anthropologist JoAnn Keali'inohomoku, dance educator Bill Evans and dance librarian Madeleine Nichols. The interviews focus on personal anecdotes and explanations of career choices made by the interviewees. This collection of their stories in the challenging field of contemporary dance, told with humor, insight and sometimes, regret aims to be both an inspirational resource for future dance professionals as well as a companion to the thousands of dedicated people of all ages who continue to serve the dance every beautiful, crazy, frustrating, wonderful day.
* Reviews *
Book Review--"Celichowska has done a great job in capturing the voices of seven artists who have made significant contributions to dance over time. I found it so interesting to see how the different artists answered the same questions given their personal and professional lives, the generation from which they emanate and the universality of their beliefs. It is fascinating reading!"
--Jane Bonbright, Ed.D., Executive Director of the National Dance Education Organization
"...a fascinating glimpse into the way dance can affect and shape lives."
--The New York Times, January 13, 2008
"Seven Statements of Survival is unique and inspiring in its honesty and real-life specificity. It spans the large universe of dance and pinpoints the many unforeseen places where passion and practicality overlap. I recommend it to anyone contemplating a future in dance or those already immersed in the field."
--Sharon Gersten Luckman, Executive Director, Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation
"This is a fascinating collection of life lessons that will inspire anyone contemplating a career in dance. The passion and wisdom of these seven outstanding individuals exert a strong cumulative effect on the reader."
--Norton Owen, Director of Preservation, Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival
"Seven Statements of Survival successfully challenges the stereotype of the 'one-size-fits-all' path to career success in dance. In this outstanding book, seven very different but equally legendary professionals share with us the ways in which they created and continue to shape a dance life worth living. This book will inspire students, professionals and those in the audience alike."
--Anne L. Wennerstrand, MS, DTR, LCSW, author of Advice for Grown Up Dancers
