Balletomanes need never argue anymore about Mikhail Baryshnikov's favourite partners, the origins of dance notation or the real name of Dame Margot Fonteyn (plain old Peggy Hookham). It's all there in the Oxford Dictionary Of Dance, lovingly compiled by long-time dance scribes Debra Craine and Judith Mackrell. The Hong Kong Ballet's members might be peeved to find the company doesn't rate its own entry and is mentioned only in a general piece about Hong Kong - and after the City Contemporary Dance Company. However, Hong Kong Ballet director and former Royal Ballet principal Stephen Jefferies merits a lengthy entry and will no doubt be gratified to read that 'his career was marked by his exceptional interpretive skills and he was widely regarded as one of the finest dance-actors of his generation'. This dictionary will prove an invaluable resource tool for reviewers of dance, who may be struggling to recall some terpsichorean fact or other as they race against deadline. It would also make a fine gift for budding dancers with an interest in the history of their art. The only thing lacking in his excellent reference work is the age of many artists. As the authors explain: 'Dance is a youth-oriented profession and some artists remain sensitive about their age.'
Adam Cooper in Swan Lake. Photo by Hugo Glendinning
Graphic: dangfa