Dancing with Shadows | Legacy
By Stak
Ballet demands absolute sacrifice. Dancers push the limits of the human mind and body in the relentless pursuit of perfection.
For journalist Nicky Anderson, a childhood love for ballet has become a lifelong fascination, a fascination that has always drawn her back to one place: the New York City Ballet.
Home to some of the greatest works of the modern age, its legacy was shaped by the genius of its founder, the so-called father of American ballet, George Balanchine.
But behind the beauty lies a more complicated truth. Across its 76-year history, the New York City Ballet has faced allegations of power misuse, a major lawsuit, and an investigation into sexual harassment and physical and verbal abuse by a former Ballet Master-in-Chief.
Yet, the real story isn’t in the headlines. It’s in the voices of those who were there, the dancers who lived it.
You see, this isn’t just a story about ballet. It’s about devotion, ambition, and the cost of surrendering yourself entirely to something.
It’s about the people who graced that famous stage - and what became of them.
From Stak, this is Season Three of the award-winning Legacy: Dancing with Shadows. Extraordinary sporting stories that really matter.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episode
-
Episode 7: The Curtain Call
Nicky tries to track down a current NYCB dancer who will share their story and their experience of the Company.And then, one day in February 2025, one of NYCB’s longest-serving principal dancers steps forward, ten days after her retirem… -
Episode 6: The Golden Boy
In 2018, Alexandra Waterbury filed a lawsuit against Chase Finlay and New York City Ballet that made headlines worldwide. Chase had taken sexually explicit photos and videos of Alexandra without her consent, and shared them with other male dancers… -
Episode 5: The Weight of Grace - Part Two
In December 2017, five former dancers came forward and accused Peter Martins of verbal and physical abuse. But not everyone in the ballet world was ready to listen.Nicky sits down with one of the dancers who testified against him – and … -
Episode 4: The Weight of Grace - Part One
Carrying on a legacy like George Balanchine’s was the impossible job.But when Peter Martins took control of the Company, the consequences for one dancer were particularly devastating. Nicky tracks her down and hears her story… -
Episode 3: You are Angels
Two dancers still see visions of Balanchine. One sees that vision more clearly than ever, while the other questions her memories with entirely new eyes…Episodes 4 and 5 are out on Tuesday 4th March. Subscribe now to make sure you don’t … -
Episode 2: Icon, Father, God
The Company’s founder, George Balanchine, was more than just a choreographer. To his dancers, he was a father figure, an all-seeing god – and even a husband, blending his professional and personal lives. His relationships with female dancers led t… -
Episode 1: The Golden Gates
Nicky finally fulfils a childhood dream: to watch the New York City Ballet.But it’s hard to enjoy the moment. Not with all she knows now.Episode 2 is available to listen to right now, with new episodes released every Tuesday.… -
Coming soon: Dancing With Shadows
Millions dream of becoming a ballet dancer. And so many dream of reaching the grandest stage of all: the New York City Ballet. Home to some of the greatest works of the modern age, its legacy was shaped by the genius of its founder, the so-called … -
This Thing of Ours | The English Disease – Episode 6
In the final episode, Sam returns to east London to confront some home truths and speaks to someone who might hold the key to understanding the English Disease…Extraordinary sporting stories that really matter. From Stak, this is The En… -
The Price of Brotherhood | The English Disease – Episode 5
Tensions are rising across the country until, one night in July, a single event changes everything…Enjoyed listening to The English Disease? We want to hear from you before the season finale – whether you have first-hand experience of t…