With the advent of reality TV and the only films worth a watch being ‘based on a true story,’ non-fiction tales have never been bigger. Especially roller-coaster rides like this one..

The Swinging 60s was known as the age when culturally the world turned on its head. Post-WW2 depression had ended and the era heralded music, dance, fashion and fun.

As the Beatles and the Rolling Stones amongst others cut a swathe through the clubs, pubs and dance halls of Europe and the USA, so did other forms of entertainment challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of art and culture.

One of the most well known acts was a Jazz Ballet troupe, called Jazz Ballet Rodney (JBR). These were the days when the big acts used to have a supporting programme, which was often not another music group. Two of the original dancers from the JBR have collaborated to write Leotard, an impishly funny tale of their adventures through Europe, the Middle East and England.

JBR featured strongly with many names such as Dionne Warwick, Ray Charles, Sacha Distel and, a very young Rolling Stones in an early Eurovision contest.

The book moves at a cracking pace, and at the heart of it are the two dancers, Sally and Mary. Sally has a 60s relationship with her beloved mother – open, frank, no holds barred. Mary, on the other hand, sent her conservative parents in Canada descriptions of tourism sites and museums, leaving out the personal details.

Their postcards ‘back home’ serve as a vehicle to tell the story, like it was. The artists they performed with, their fellow dancers, Rodney Vas the JBR creator, choreographer and all round boss all feature in the missives. Alongside this are the dances, a punishing daily rehearsal and performance routine, the parties, the travel and general mayhem.

Leotard is a warming tale and one that is a must for anyone interested in the arts, culture, dancing and a tale of a friendship that has stood the test of time over 50 years.

Leotard. The Story of Jazz Ballet Rodney – by Sally Faverot de Kerbrech and Mary Spilsbury Ross. Available from Amazon sites world-wide and selected bookshops.

Get Leotard in paperback and digital on Amazon and Kindle. 

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