Days With Ulanova

In the great world of dance, Galina Ulanova is considered by many to be as great, if not greater, than Pavlova. Onstage, the miracle of her performances has enraptured vast audiences. But offstage, to the millions of her devotees, she remains an enigma. This exceptional biography—one of a kind—explores the world of Ulanova, and offers a unique look at the woman behind the legend.

As a result of his friendship with Ulanova, writer-photographer Albert E. Kahn had the singular opportunity to study Ulanova as dancer, teacher, performer, warm friend, and a shy, modest woman seeking solitude among her beloved birch groves in the Russian countryside. Kahn has captured it all in words and pictures—from the magnificent performances to the intimate glimpses of her day-to-day life.

“Days with Ulanova is the most exciting ballet book I have ever seen.”—Anatole Chujoy, Editor of The Dance Encyclopedia

“All lovers of the dance, as well as libraries, museums and schools, will welcome this treasure of a book.”—Arthur Todd, New York Times

“Mr. Kahn’s work is without precedent in the theatre world. His photographs of Ulanova are undoubtedly the finest imaginary job of visual commentary on any dancer.”—Genevieve Oswald, Curator Dance Collection, Library & Museum of Performing Arts, Lincoln Center

“The particular treasure of her life has been lovingly and sensitively apprehended. Mr. Kahn has made us all a wonderfully valuable gift.”—Dance Magazine

“This book must rank among the half-dozen most beautiful books on ballet ever published…a monument and a memorial.”—P. W. Manchester, Dance News