News
The Guardian newspaper names Ballerina: Sex, Scandal and Suffering Behind the Symbol of Perfection “the best” book on ballet, putting it at the No. 1 position on a Top 10 list published May 26, 2021:
https://www.google.ca/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/books/2021/may/26/top-10-books-about-ballet-watch-her-fall-erin-kelly
1. Ballerina by Deirdre Kelly
This is a comprehensive history of the ballet from its origins in the French courts, when the positions were more etiquette than art, and dancers were as much courtesans as artists. The book’s subtitle is Sex, Scandal, and Suffering Behind the Symbol of Perfection, and Kelly expertly blends juicy gossip with an almost academic look at the contradictions of the ballerina: idealised, stylised, sexy but virginal, in constant pain but always, always poised.
FEBRUARY 10, 2021
Compelling content across communication platforms earns York Communications & Public Affairs eight awards
December 9, 2020
 |
| Critics At Large‘s Deirdre Kelly wins the 2020 Nathan Cohen Award for Outstanding Review. (Photo: McKenzie James) |
The Canadian Theatre Critics Association has chosen Toronto dance critic Deirdre Kelly as the winner of the 2020 Nathan Cohen Award for Outstanding Review.
Ms. Kelly won for “Danse Macabre: Three Works by the National Ballet of Canada,” her review of one of the classical dance company’s final performances in Toronto before the lockdowns in early March.
Evoking the vulnerability and ephemerality of the body, a theme whose resonance is amplified within the context of the global pandemic, the piece was published by the independent Canadian digital arts publication Critics At Large:
https://www.criticsatlarge.ca/2020/03/danse-macabre-three-works-by-national.html
A second prize, for Critical Essay, was awarded to Quelemia Sparrow and Lois Anderson, authors of “Camas Lilies and Lysistrata,” a scholarly paper published earlier this year in Canadian Theatre Review.
The Nathan Cohen Awards, established in 1981, honour outstanding critical writing about theatre and performance in print or electronic media. They are named after former Toronto Star and CBC critic Nathan Cohen, who died in 1971.
This year’s submissions, representing media outlets from across Canada, were judged by New York theatre and cultural critic Jose Solís, a New York Times contributor and co-host of the podcast series Token Theatre Friends.
“I truly think this is my my favourite piece of criticism that I’ve read all year. It beautifully sums up the limbo that we are in,” said Mr. Solís of Ms. Kelly’s review at a virtual presentation of the Nathan Cohen Awards initiated in Toronto on Dec. 5.
“Besides giving me chills when I read it I was also left with a lot of hope. It was kind of like a summary of what 2020 has been and also a dream of the future, when what we love and what we do for a living will come back.”
Ms. Kelly for many years served as the staff dance critic for Canada’s The Globe and Mail newspaper. In addition to Critics At Large, her dance writing is also featured in Dance Magazine in New York, Dance Gazette in London and such general interest magazines as Australia Vogue, Elle USA and NUVO in Vancouver. Currently, she is Editor and principal writer of The York University Magazine. Her books, Paris Times Eight and Ballerina: Sex, Scandal and Suffering Behind the Symbol of Perfection are both national best sellers.
This is the second time Ms. Kelly has received a prestigious Nathan Cohen Award. She last won in 2014 for her review of choreographer James Kudelka’s dance-theatre piece Malcolm, also for Critics At Large.Critics At Large was founded in January 2010 by Kevin Courrier, Shlomo Schwartzberg and David Churchill, with ongoing editorial and technical support from Mark Clamen and Steve Vineberg. Since 2010, Critics At Large has published almost 3,500 pieces of independent criticism of television, movies, books, music, theatre, dance, culture, and the arts. — Staff
April 30, 2016
Canadian Authors for Indies Day
Love an independent bookstore! Visit Jessica’s New Books, Art & Gifts to celebrate books, bookstores, booksellers and authors.
Jessica’s New Books, Art & Gifts
28 Bruce Street, S.
Thornbury, ON
519-599-7361
Email jessicasbooknook@rogers.com
Website www.jessicas.ca
I will be signing my Ballerina and Paris Times Eight books.
February 11, 2015
Open Minds Speakers Series, Timothy Eaton Church in Toronto, 1-3pm, $40
Ballerina: Sex, Scandal and Suffering Behind the Symbol of Perfection
Ballerina: Sex, Scandal and Suffering Behind the Symbol of Perfection
The Timely, true story behind the ballerina – from historical hardship to modern scandal, Deirdre Kelly will discuss her groundbreaking book where she pulls back the curtain to expose the reality behind the myth about the underbelly of the ballet world. As one of Canada’s top dance critics, Deirdre will share with us ballet’s shadowy roots – from the earliest ballerinas in the 17th century who commonly led a double life as concubines, to the all too common life altering injuries dancers received from fire, to the toothpick-starved anorexic dancers of George Balanchine.
To register cut and paste into your browser:
http://openmindsevents.com/register?utm_source=Open+Minds&utm_campaign=dc40c14dcb-EricDeirdre_01242015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_be5b1e2757-dc40c14dcb-273095369
|
- 10, November 28, 2013 Author Talk
|
|
Collingwood Public Library is launching a new Author Talk Series. The series brings popular Canadian authors to Collingwood for an hour of discussion followed by a book signing. Deirdre Kelly, author of “Ballerina: Sex, Scandal and Suffering behind the Symbol of Perfection,” joins us on Thursday, November 28 at 7:00 p.m. The event is free for attendees with light refreshments provided. Tickets are free, limited and required. Register for your tickets at the Public Services Desk. Contact us at 705-445-1571. The Crow’s Nest Books and Gifts will be selling copies of the featured book with 15% of the proceeds going to the Library.
| |
|
| |
May 9, 2013
MOTHERS’ AND OTHERS’ DAY TEA
|
LECTURE AND BOOK SIGNING BY DEIRDRE KELLY
What better way to say thanks to that special someone in your life!
Grab your mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, partner, in-law, or anyone with an interest in ballet, to attend a lecture and book signing by Deirdre Kelly, author and Globe and Mail journalist who wrote Ballerina: Sex, Scandal and Suffering Behind the Symbol of Perfection. Her revealing exposé paints an accurate portrait of the behind-the-scenes world of ballet. Add special cakes and tea on fine china and you have all the ingredients for an exceptional afternoon.
Door prizes and a special gift for everyone.
2 pm $36
Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom, 395 Elm Ave., Westmount, Montreal.
For additional information go to www.cummingscentre.org/Westmount
May 7, 2013
Deirdre Kelly In Conversation With Vanessa Harwood
Don’t miss this special evening event at Indigo inside Toronto’s Manulife Centre, starting at 7pm. Renowned ballerina Vanessa Harwood, one of Canada’s most celebrated dancers, joins Deirdre Kelly, author of the best-selling Ballerina: Sex, Scandal and Suffering Behind the Symbol of Perfection in a conversation exploring the backstage realities of the ballet world.
March 27, 2013
Meet Author Deirdre Kelly at Montreal’s Westmount and Pointe Claire Public Libraries
Deirdre Kelly will read and sign copies of her new book, Ballerina: Sex, Scandal and Suffering Behind the Symbol of Pefection, at the Pointe Claire Public Library, starting at 2pm, followed by a reading at the Westmount Public Library, starting at 7pm.
March 24, 2013
Meet Author Deirdre Kelly and former Canadian ballet star Vanessa Harwood
The Extension Room presents a Midwinter’s Ballet Brunch, with special guests Deirdre Kelly and Vanessa Harwood. Begin your morning with an Allegro Ballet Bootcamp Masterclass, then revitalize with a decadent brunch and an exploration into the complex history of the ballerina and her role onstage and off throughout history.
Esteemed Canadian dance critic (Globe and Mail, Dance Gazette) and author, Deirdre Kelly, will read from her book, BALLERINA- Sex, Scandal and Suffering Behind the Symbol of Perfection. Deirdre will be joined by Vanessa Harwood, a featured dancer in her book, for an intimate discussion and Q&A.
Beloved in Canadian dance history, Vanessa Harwood was one of the first pupils at the The National Ballet School of Canada in Toronto when it opened in 1959. She joined the National Ballet of Canada in 1965, became a soloist in 1967, and was a principal dancer from 1970 to 1987. Harwood was celebrated for her portrayal of Odette-Odile in Swan Lake, and came to be known as Superswan because of her mastery of the demanding dual role.
Food styling by Herrera’s Event Catering
Doors: 9:30am
Class: 10:00-11:30am
Brunch and Reading: 11:30am-1:30pm
Tickets: $45 Book with a friend for a reduced rate of $40
Purchase online at www.extensionroom.com to secure your spot now, or in person at The Extension Room
March 21, 2013
Meaford Library is pleased to present… Award-Winning Canadian Author Deirdre Kelly
Thursday, March 21st, 2pm at McGinty’s Cafe Part of the Koffee House Reads Author Series Deirdre is the author of “Paris Times Eight” and “Ballerina–Sex, Scandal and Suffering Behind the Symbol of Perfection.” Tickets : $10/person. Includes coffee/tea and dessert. Buy your tickets in advance at the Library. http://www.visitmeaford.com/meaford-library-home.html
February 21, 2013
Meet Author Deirdre Kelly
Beach United Church Speaker’s Series , starting at 7:30 at Juice and Java, 2102 Queen St E Toronto, (416) 698-9090
December 11, 2012
Toronto Public Library Author’s Talk — Ballerina: Sex, Scandal and Suffering Behind the Symbol of Perfection
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
60 mins
Toronto Reference Library — Elizabeth Beeton Auditorium
Throughout her history, the ballerina has been perceived as the feminine ideal, the embodiment of beauty and perfection. But the reality is another story.
In her new book, Ballerina: Sex,Scandal and Suffering Behind the Symbol of Perfection, Deirdre Kelly explores the brutal backstage existence of some of the world’s most celebrated ballerinas.
Deirdre Kelly is a journalist, author and internationally recognized dance critic. She was the award-winning dance critic for the Globe and Mail for 16 years, and is currently a features writer.
December 3, 2012
Série « Les Rendez-vous de l’Alliance »
présentée par La Chambre de Commerce Française à Toronto
Rencontrez l’auteure Deirdre Kelly lors du cocktail de lancement pour la parution de son dernier livre, Ballerina: Sex, Scandal and Suffering Behind the Symbol of Perfection.
Lundi 3 décembre 2012
| 18h30 à 20h30 |
Alliance Française de Toronto
24 Spadina Road
Toronto, ON M5R 2S7
|
Tarif membres CCFCTO (hors taxes) : 30$
Tarif non membres (hors taxes) : 40$
December 1, 2012
Visiting author Deirdre Kelly of Canada interviews live on stage the American Ballet Theatre ballerina Misty Copeland, one of the dancers featured in her celebrated and controversial new book, Ballerina: Sex, Scandal and Suffering Behind the Symbol of Perfection, at McNally Jackson Books in SoHo, starting at 1pm.
November 29, 2012
Author event, Princeton Library, Princeton, New Jersey
7:00pm – 9:00pm; Community Room
In Ballerina: Sex, Scandal and Suffering Behind the Symbol of Perfection, the dance critic for The Globe and Mail in Toronto offers a backstage history of the dancer, from the court of Louis XIV to the present day. The book reveals the reality behind the graceful art, from institutionalized prostitution in 18th- and 19th-century France to the institutionalized starvation in the 20th century as a result of the influence of George Balanchine. See also: http://www.princetonlibrary.org/events/2012/11/author-deirdre-kelly
November 4, 2012
Globe and Mail/Ben McNally Books Authors Brunch series
Globe and Mail/Ben McNally Books Authors Brunch series presents Deirdre Kelly in conversation about her new Ballerina book, this Sunday at the historic King Edward Hotel in Toronto. For more information visit: http://www.benmcnallybooks.com/?q=globe_mail_ben_mcnally_books_authors_brunch_11October 28, 2012
October 30, 2012
Author Signing at Audreys Books in Edmonton
A collaboration with the Alberta Ballet, Audreys Books presents author Deirdre Kelly signing copies of her book, Ballerina: Sex, Scandal and Suffering Behind the Symbol of Perfection, 12 pm to 1:30 pm.
October 26, 2012
Author Reading with Deirdre Kelly at TBM Library
The Blue Mountains Public Library, in partnership with Jessica’s Book Nook, is very excited to be hosting an author reading with Deirdre Kelly, and her newly published book Ballerina: Sex, Scandal and Suffering Behind the Symbol of Perfection. This event will take place in the gallery on Sunday October 28 from 1:00p.m. to 3:00p.m. For more information visit http://www.thebluemountainslibrary.ca/LibraryLines.html
October 20, 2012
Deirdre Kelly Book Signing at Books on Beechwood in Ottawa
Visit the store on Saturday, October 20 and meet Toronto author Deirdre Kelly. She will be here from 1:00pm to 3:00pm signing copies of her new book, Ballerina: Sex, Scandal, and Suffering Behind the Symbol of Perfection.
Deirdre is a journalist, author, and internationally recognized dance critic for Dance Magazine, the Dance Gazette, and The Globe and Mail (Toronto), where for sixteen years she was the paper’s dance critic on staff. She is the author of the best-selling memoir Paris Times Eight, and her articles on dance have also appeared in Elle, Vogue, Chatelaine, and Saturday Night.
From the jacket:
“Throughout her history, the ballerina has been perceived as the embodiment of beauty and perfection. She is the feminine ideal – unblemished and ethereal, inspiration incarnate. But the reality is another story.
As Kelly examines the lives of some of the world’s best ballerinas, she argues for a rethinking of the world’s most graceful dance form – a rethinking that would position the ballerina at its heart, where she belongs.”
September 29 and 30, 2012
Book Signing
Deirdre Kelly will be signing copies of her latest book, Ballerina: Sex, Scandal and Suffering Behind the Symbol of Perfection at Teatro Verde, 98 Yorkville Ave., in Toronto, starting at 2 p.m.
July 31, 2012
Designing for the Ballet
Join Deirdre Kelly at Toronto’s Design Exchange in conversation with costume designer Caroline O’Brien about curating Designing for the Ballet, her inaugural exhibition.
July 31, 2011
Paris Times Eight Reading
Author Deirdre Kelly reads from her book, Paris Times Eight, at J’adorn in Kincardine, Ontario (791 Queen Street). For more information go to www.jadorn.ca.
June 7, 2011
Author Reading
Deirdre Kelly reads from Paris Times Eight, at the Leaside branch of the Toronto Public Library, 2 p.m.
April 12, 2010
April in Paris
Deirdre Kelly discusses her book, Paris Times Eight, at the Morningside Branch of the Toronto Public Library on April 12, 7 to 8 pm.
January 27, 2011
Interior Design Show 2011
I am a judge of the Interior Design Show in Toronto, opening this year on the evening of January 27. This is a must-see event for design lovers and anyone interested in what’s current in pop culture. Hope to see you there. www.interiordesignshow.com
December 10, 2010
Author Reading
Ports 1961 celebrates the season and my book, Paris Times Eight, at a champagne cocktail party held at its Toronto location from 5 to 7 pm.
July 14, 2010
Bastille Day Celebrations
I’ll be reading and signing form my book at a Bastille Day party hosted by Toronto jeweller Myles Mindham at his fancy new Yorkville digs on the night of July 14.
June 29, 2010
Author Reading
I am giving a reading in Ottawa on Tuesday, June 29 at Books of Beechwood, 6 to 7pm. Hope you can join me: 35 Beechwood Ave.
May 2, 2010
Author Reading
I will reading from Paris Times Eight at the Indigo bookstore inside the Manulife Centre In Toronto, starting at 2pm.
April 14, 2010
Book Signing
I am signing copies of Paris Times Eight at Rizzoli bookstore in New York City (5th Ave. and 57th St.), starting at 6pm.
February 14, 2010
Author Reading
A Valentine’s Day reading from Paris Times Eight at Pamper & Soothe boutique in Thornbury, Ont., starting at 6pm.
January 28, 2010
Author Reading
I am reading from Paris Times Eight at Toronto’s Harbourfront Reading Series, starting at 7pm.
