EP 236: David Hallberg, the First American in the Bolshoi Ballet

David Hallberg is a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre and the first American ever to be admitted into Russia's legendary Bolshoi Ballet. David talks about the discipline and dedication needed to make to the top as a dancer, the unique chemistry of partnering with the right ballerina, and the behind the scenes coaches who have passed down ballet’s greatest roles since the very beginning. He recalls his tough adjustment to life in Moscow, some of the charming age-old traditions at the Bolshoi Ballet, and the unbelievable 2013 acid attack on his former boss Bolshoi director Sergei Fillin. Plus David opens up about the debilitating injury that required him to completely relearn how to dance and his hard-won comeback to the ballet stage.

Order David Hallberg's book A Body of Work: Dancing to the Edge and Back on Amazon or download the audiobook on Audible. Visit David’s website at www.DavidHallberg.com and follow him on Twitter at @DavidHallberg. Today's episode is sponsored by Grasshopper.