NPR

Biography Examines Prolific Career Of Choreographer Behind 'West Side Story'

A new book argues Jerome Robbins' work in ballet, which has been at times overlooked, was equally as strong as his work on Broadway.
"Jerome Robbins: A Life In Dance," by Wendy Lesser. (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)

Dances like the elegantly “rumbling” teenagers in “West Side Story” are the legacy of Jerome Robbins, who also created the memorable choreography in “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Peter Pan” and “The King and I.”

Here & Now‘s Robin Young talks with Wendy Lesser, author of “Jerome Robbins: A Life in Dance,” who says Robbins’ work in ballet — which has been at times overlooked — was equally as strong as his work on Broadway.

Watch: Performances Of Robbins’ Choreography

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[Youtube]

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[Youtube]

Book Excerpt: ‘Jerome Robbins: A Life In Dance’

by Wendy Lesser

He may well have been the most hated man on Broadway. “Mean as a snake,” said Helen Gallagher, a performer who

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