A Close Up of an Icon
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I spent many years going to the Royal Ballet to see Nureyev and Fonteyn dabcee together. Then during the 'downsidse of the ecstasy' at the London Coliseum when Nureyev danced at the Nureyev Festivals. I have always been atracted to the glamour and myth of backstage life and Carolyn Soutar's book, The Real Nureyev, managed to envelope me and whisk me away to a backstage world where Rudolf Nureyev enchanted and ruled. The stories and decsriptions of this amazing dancer were wonderful and I so enjoyed the day-to-day routine of life at the London Coliseum. This book is just the right length and is a real page turner, full of laughs and some incredibly sad moments. When I go to the the theatre in the future, I will think about the routine that Soutar describes and see a whole new world of wonder. If you are a theatre or ballet goer you will enjoy this book.
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Not the real Nureyev
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This is the worst book I have ever read about the great Rudolf Nureyev or anyone else for that matter. It shows a complete misunderstanding of the man and of Ballet in general. The interviews used were with just a handful of people and they were weak and gave no insight into this man who was one of the most charismatic men of the 20th Century. Don't waste your money on this book. It is written with an arrogance and captures none of his magic. It is like a teenagers diary. The timeframe of this memoir takes place during saddest part of his life and career and you need to see the bigger picture to understand him. Notice that she had never seen him during the height of his career or spoke to any of his partners from the sixties and seventies. A dreadful book. Even the descriptions of Covent Garden are inaccurate.
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A Welcome Blast from the Past
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As a retired professional dancer and alumni member of School of American Ballet in New York City;I was taken back to those magical days when Nureyev would often be just a studio down the corridor, taking class with the late Stanley Williams...Carolyn Soutar has produced a wonderful memoir of a legendary man.I especially enjoyed her attention to detail regarding the scenery and costumes and how life backstage is an absolutely enchanting and revealing experience. This book took me on a nostalgic journey and anyone interested in the life of a dancer; The Real Nureyev will deliver!
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Backstage with Nureyev
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In her book, Carolyn Soutar gives us a fascinating look behind the dazzling stage persona of Rudolph Nureyev, one of ballet's greatest stars.
Many people may have been lucky enough to see Nureyev onstage, but few had the chance to see the work that went into each performance or to get to know the man himself. Carolyn Soutar did just that, and here she tells us what it was like to work with Nureyev. Sometimes demanding, unpredictable, impossible and arrogant, sometimes funny, insecure and generous, always dedicated and supremely talented, he eventually came to trust and rely on her. Those who never got to see Nureyev on stage will come to regret their loss as Soutar so clearly describes what a thrilling experience this was, the magic didn't seem to wear off even after she'd watched him night after night.
Through interviews with Nureyev's partner, friends and colleagues Soutar also manages to give us an insight into his personal life - who would have thought that he'd love watching "I Love Lucy"? We also learn about his relationship with his various ballet partners, including of course, Margot Fonteyn.
This book is a riveting glimpse into the world of ballet, and a compelling portrait of one of its most complex characters.
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Voyage of discovery
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I am not a balletomane - far from it - but it didn't matter when I started to read "The Real Nureyev" I just couldn't put it down and was irritated by interruptions. It is brilliantly written by his one-time stage manager, with love and a desire to understand the strange Russian who leapt onto her London stage. Carolyn Soutar gives us a pretty complete picture (even, like the Emperor, without his clothes!) His too-early death did not deter her from her search for the real Rudi. She sought acros the world for his lovers, friends and fellow dancers and revived their memories. It is a voyage of discovery, a quest. And it is not necessary to know a pas de deux from a pirouette to enjoy the fun and intrigue of travelling to the end.
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