In this new biography, Frank Ohman tells of his journey as a 'cowboy' growing up in the American West, to his development as an internationally known dance professional. Along the way he is guided by his friend and mentor, the legendary George Balanchine. During his twenty-two years as a lead dancer and soloist at the New York City Ballet, Frank appears in ballets choreographed by the pantheon of dance from 1962 until the early 1980's, including Mr. Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Antony Tudor, David Lichine, and Jacques D'Amboise. During that time he had the privilege of partnering many of the world's leading ballerinas, including Maria Tallchief, Melissa Hayden, Suzanne Farrell, Allegra Kent, Patrician McBride, Gelsey Kirkland, and Cynthia Gregory. Frank goes on to share his transition from performer to choreographer, teacher, and artistic director of his own company, the New York Dance Theatre, and the Frank Ohman School of Ballet, where he carries on the Balanchine legacy as he trains new generations of dancers.
About the Author: Frank Ohman is an internationally known dance professional who joined the New York City Ballet in 1962, where he was a soloist for twenty-two years. He appeared in leading and solo roles in the ballets of George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Frederic Ashton, Anthony Tudor, David Lichine, John Taras, and Jacques d'Amboise. He partnered many of the world's leading ballerinas including Maria Tallchief, Marjorie Tallchief, Melissa Hayden, Suzanne Farrell, Allegra Kent, Patricia McBride, Gelsey Kirkland, Cynthia Gregory, Carol Sumner, Kay Mazzo, and Suki Schorer. Frank is the Founder, Ballet Master, and Artistic Director of the New York Dance Theater and the Frank Ohman School of Ballet. He has been a prolific choreographer, creating over 200 original ballets, and is currently directing his talents towards teaching, choreography, and artistic direction. Emily Berkowitz received her M.A. degree in English from C.W. Post. She also possesses an M.S. degree from Hofstra University and a B.S. degree from Cornell University. Ms. Berkowitz is a versatile writer, having published articles in Dancer, Confrontation Magazine, the Port Washington News, and section cover stories in Newsday Ms. Berkowitz has regularly attended the New York City Ballet for more than thirty years. Her extensive collection books about ballet, with and emphasis on this company and its history, was a factor in realizing that the literature lacked a volume describing Balanchine's male friendships and brilliance as a teacher. The author is currently an educator at the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center in Glen Cove, NY. She lives with her veterinarian husband, Jay, and their three dogs, in Port Washington, New York. Her son, Justin, and his wife Jessica, are newly minted Balanchine fans.