BOY FROM KYIV: ALEXEI RATMANSKY’S LIFE IN BALLET

HOLIDAY BOOK PICK

The timing is perfect for the  publication of Marina Harss’ imminently readable book “The Boy From Kyiv.” On the heels of Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine, and Alexei Ratmansky’s appointment as “artist in residence” at New York City Ballet, this insightful book travels thought Ratmansky’s upbringing in Kyiv to the startling trajectory of his career from Russia, the Ukraine, Canada and Denmark to America.

Although drawn to Ratmansky while artistic director of the Bolshoi Ballet, Harss committed herself to documenting this deep thinking, creative artist after seeing “Serenade After Plato’s Symposium” at American Ballet Theater.

A fluent writer, Harss has written the first biography of a major international artist, “The Boy From Kyiv ” invites the reader into the peripatetic and demanding life of a ballet dancer. A major part of Ratmansky’s life is his wife and partner the Ukranian dancer, Tatiana Kilivniuk who holds him close and helps guide his career.

A welcome selection for the holidays, art and politics merge gracefully and intuitively throughout the book. 

C. Ipiotis