Different Drummer

The Life of Kenneth MacMillan

Jann Parry (Observer Dance Correspondent)

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Paperback

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English

Faber & Faber
19 October 2010

Choreography; Ballet; Biography; Biography: general; Biography: arts & entertainment

Kenneth MacMillan's ballets are in constant demand by world-famous companies, in particular Romeo and Juliet, Manon and Mayerling. However, MacMillan was tormented by an acute sense of being an outsider, and often at odds with the institutions in which he worked.

A real-life Billy Elliot, from a Scottish working class family, MacMillan demonstrated a prodigious talent for dancing from an early age. Following the premature death of his mother, the young MacMillan sought an escape, and despite his father's disapproval, secured a place at Sadler's Wells. Paradoxically he found himself crippled by stage fright during the height of his professional career, leaving him with only one option - choreography. He went on to produce ballets which defied convention and became renowned for challenging audiences. Despite criticism, MacMillan achieved international acclaim, becoming artistic director of both the Berlin Ballet and the Royal ballet. On a personal leve, he found unexpected happiness with his wife and daughter in the later stages of his life, making it all the more tragic when he died suddenly at the age of 62.

This stunning biography reveals a complex artist who fiercely guarded his own privacy, whilst his ballets communicated his darkest and most intimate thoughts.

By: Jann Parry (Observer Dance Correspondent)
Imprint: Faber & Faber
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 154mm, Spine: 54mm
Weight: 1.003kg
ISBN: 9780571243037
ISBN 10: 0571243037
Pages: 784
Publication Date: 19 October 2010
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

A long-established dance writer, Jann Parry was dance critic for The Observer from 1983-2004. She has written for publications including The Spectator, The Listener, Dance Now, Dance Magazine and Dancing Times. As a writer/producer, she also worked for the BBC World Service, covering current affairs and the arts, and has contributed to television and radio documentaries about dance. She lives in London.