“And I don't care if I get in trouble because I have nothing to lose at this point…”
In the heart of New York, tucked away in a quiet square, lies a portal to another world. The iconic Lincoln Center is home to one of the world's most prestigious dance companies—the New York City Ballet. A company created for one purpose: to house the works of choreographer George Balanchine.
Cut to the other side of the world. A house in the heart of Galway, Ireland. Journalist Nicky Anderson sits beside her mother, reminiscing about her younger years—specifically, twirling around in a frilly tutu, her five-year-old feet carrying only one dream: to be a ballerina.
Worlds apart joined by a single love for dance. For Nicky, a childhood love for ballet has become a lifelong fascination. The way ballet demands absolute sacrifice. How dancers push the limits of the human mind and body in the relentless pursuit of perfection.
But behind the beauty of the New York City Ballet lies a more complicated truth…
The newest series to join the Legacy feed, Dancing with Shadows, investigates the complicated history and culture of the New York City Ballet from behind the curtain.
Throughout its 76-year history, the company has faced allegations of misuse of power, a major lawsuit, and an investigation into sexual, physical and verbal assault by a former Ballet Master in Chief - scandals that have cast long shadows over its legacy.
Balanchine had almost divine status among his dancers and demanded absolute commitment to him and his methods. It led to some of the world’s greatest ever ballets, but it also blurred the lines between so many dancers’ personal and professional lives. When Peter Martins succeeded him, history repeated itself.
Dancing with Shadows is an insider account from NYCB ballet dancers who speak to the real culture of one of America’s most prestigious artistic institutions. Featuring firsthand stories fromsome of the most celebrated American dancers of all time, unveiling what it truly takes to perform at the highest level—both on and off the stage.
This isn’t just a story about ballet. It’s about the people who graced that famous stage - and what became of them. It’s about the price of art and genius.
Stak asked New York City Ballet for the right to reply, detailing the allegations that have arisen throughout the documentary. The response can be found here.
Subscribe to Legacy for episodes 1 and 2 releasing on Tuesday 18th February, with new episodes dropping every Tuesday. Listen wherever you get your podcasts - and don’t forget to leave a review!