August 15th, 2006

Rob Bettmann- George Jackson, you began writing on dance while at the University of Chicago as an undergraduate. A PhD and forty years later you have published in innumerable books, journals, magazines, and newspapers. Your work has required close attention and connection to the field. Out of all your experiences, might you offer one as your favorite experience?

GJ – I was an ice skatter as a child, and also saw all sorts of performances. I don’t recall the year exactly, but in high school I saw Alexandra Danilova, on a not very good night of the Ballet Russe De Monte Carlo. She was fabulous! She did a version of the Black Swan pas de deux that Balanchine had adapted for her. And she did it in dark purple, not a black tutu. I had never seen such elegance, such sophistication. in a way such wit with movement as she showed. And I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen it again.