Balanchine’s Apprentice

From Hollywood to New York and Back

By: John Clifford

Narrated by: John Clifford

Length: 10 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

A talented young dancer and his brilliant teacher

In this long-awaited memoir, dancer and choreographer John Clifford offers a highly personal look inside the day-to-day operations of the New York City Ballet and its creative mastermind, George Balanchine. Balanchine’s Apprentice is the story of Clifford - an exceptionally talented artist - and the guiding inspiration for his life’s work in dance.

Growing up in Hollywood with parents in show business, Clifford acted in television productions such as The Danny Kaye Show, The Dinah Shore Show, and Death Valley Days. He recalls the beginning of his obsession with ballet: At age 11 he was cast as the Prince in a touring production of The Nutcracker. The director was none other than the legendary Balanchine, who would eventually invite Clifford to New York City and shape his career as both a mentor and artistic example.

During his dazzling tenure with the New York City Ballet, Clifford danced the lead in 47 works, several created for him by Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, and others. He partnered famous ballerinas including Gelsey Kirkland and Allegra Kent. He choreographed eight ballets for the company, his first at age 20. He performed in Russia, Germany, France, and Canada. Afterward, he returned to the West Coast to found the Los Angeles Ballet, where he continued to innovate based on the Balanchine technique.

In this book, Clifford provides firsthand insight into Balanchine’s relationships with his dancers, including Suzanne Farrell. Examining his own attachment to his charismatic teacher, Clifford explores questions of creative influence and integrity. His memoir is a portrait of a young dancer who learned and worked at lightning speed, who pursued the calls of art and genius on both coasts of America and around the world. 

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2021 John Clifford (P)2022 Blackstone Publishing

Balanchine’s Apprerentice

Interesting to read about the workings of a mind to interpret music for the masses. So much is learned by entering the mind of someone who worked so closely from such an early age.

Very interesting book

It is very interesting book, I enjoyed from the beginning to the end, earned a lot about Balanchine and NYCB. It is also well read by the author himself.

Great for ballet lovers

Anyone who is familiar with ballet and, especially, the New York ballet scene will love this book.

Best book about Mr. B

Very personal, honest and moving book. Like Hollywood movie, I lived through Mr Clifford ‘s years with Mr. B. I have to admit I was welled up in more than one occasions. Mr. Clifford ‘s personal reading added more than the personal voice but most importantly the emotions associated with the moment, which if I read myself, will never feel fully (I bought paper book too). Thank you Johnny, such a beautifully written book. You don’t need professional writer to write this, or professional actor to read it, it s all from your heart, like Balanchine ‘s ballet..a special kind of heart, a simple, warm, sunny, optimistic, entertaining, beautiful heart, the dancer’s heart.

An inside peek into NYCB

If you know ballet, respect Balanchine, and remember dancers like Suzanne Farrell, Allegra Kent, Patricia McBride, Gelsey Kirkland, Edward Villella, Jacques d'Amboise, Jerome Robbins, and Peter Martins... this book is for you! I know John Clifford hasn't been without controversy, but his talent both as a dancer and choreographer, which was nurtured by George Balanchine as his protege, can't be overlooked. He tells of his rise in the New York City Ballet hierarchy, his heartbreak of forceful separation from his mentor's work within NYCB by Peter Martins as artistic director (which rightfully should have been John Clifford's destiny), and his work after his failed LA Ballet Company to carry forth Mr. B's legacy worldwide following his death. This is a must read for ballet lovers.

I loved this book!

I love the tone of this book. I loved hearing about Balanchine and NYCB during such a legendary time. And I thought John Clifford did such an entertaining reading of his book. I loved the accents he used as well as the emotion in his voice at all the perfect times. I never got bored for a moment, which is remarkable. Many memoirs or even novels can sometimes sag in the middle. But this was fascinating and inspiring to listen to the whole way through. Loved it!

Intimate look at the golden age of NYCB

It is a very authentic perspective from a NYCB dancer and choreographer, George Balanchine's Apprentice. John Clifford shares his experience of training with some of the top authorities of his time (Robbins, Englevsky and many others) and his collaboration and relationships with sone of the most famous dancers.

There aren't enough superlatives for the book I'll just say - the author's narration is one of the best I've heard on Audible.

A definite must tor every ballet fan.

A window into an epic era

This book is a just read for any true Balanchine ballet lover. To hear in such a concise way, the happenings and being of such an icon as Balanchine. Clifford appears to be setting the record straight from his inside angle with your prejudice or salacious intent.