About the Book:

Demanding in his professionalism, courageous in his vision, and generous in his teaching, internationally renowned choreographer Brian Macdonald has passionately supported Canadian performers and creators throughout his brilliant 50 year career as a dancer and choreographer, director and artistic director, and mentor and educator, and has played a key role in securing Canada's place on the international stage.

Brian Macdonald first came to teach dance at The Banff Centre for the Arts in 1962 and created the Professional Dance Program in 1982. Throughout the 1980s, he served as the resident choreographer for Les Grands Ballets Canadiens. From 1982 until 2001, he was also head of the professional dance division at The Banff Centre, remaining the program's artistic advisor after he left the post. Dancing in Thin Air is a recollection of the stories, the people, and the ballets that have made The Banff Centre recognized worldwide for its summer dance programs. Full of pictures, anecdotes, and insights, Dancing in Thin Air will appeal to everyone who has had anything to do with dance!

What people say:

"The dance story at Banff is one of growth and development, from humble western beginnings and aspiring beginners to a range of programs covering all stages of a dance career, culminating in professional training and performances of the highest level, taught by some of the dance world's leading instructors." — David Leighton, from the Foreword

Brian Macdonald is an internationally renowned Canadian choreographer and director of ballet, opera and musical theatre. He has directed productions for the Stratford Festival, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the New York City Opera, the Kennedy Centre in Washington, La Scala, the Sydney Opera House and Les Grand Ballet Canadiens. Awards and honours include Governor General's Lifetime Artistic Achievement for Dance (2008); Officer of the Order of Canada (1967), promoted to Companion (2002); Fellow of The Banff Centre (2004); Walter Carsen Prize for Excellence in the Performing Arts (2001); Dance Canada Prize (1988); Banff Centre National Arts Award (1988); Canada Council Molson Prize (1983); Paris International Gold Star for Choreography (1964).

Carol Anderson has pursued a diverse career as a dancer, choreographer, teacher, director, and dance writer. Her writing includes numerous articles on Canadian dance, several books on dance, and an anthology of original Canadian dance writing that she compiled and edited. She is a former artistic director of Toronto's Dancemakers, of which she was a founding member. She was a dancer for twenty years and continues to teach and choreograph.