Jennifer Homans

In this week's Please Explain, we learn about the history of ballet with the Director of the Center for Ballet and the Arts at NYU and the Artistic Director at ABT.

Dancer and historian Jennifer Homans - whose own book "Apollo’s Angels" made best-of lists in 2010 – joins us to share the top moments from the world of dance in 2011.

In what seems like an annual ritual, The Beatles have invaded pop-culture conversations, thanks to a new George Harrison documentary, a John Lennon biography and Paul McCartney’s collaboration with New York City Ballet. In the first of a three-part series, we start with a review of “Ocean’s Kingdom,” McCartney’s first ballet score. We’re joined by Jennifer Homans, dance critic for The New Republic and author of the ballet history “Apollo’s Angels.”

Ballet - a true storytellers art - is enjoying a moment in the spotlight. Yet few know the origins of a practice that is more than 400 years old. Dancer and historian Jennifer Homans joins us to explore the story of ballet from its Renaissance beginnings -- to her predictions for ballet’s continued life in the 21st century. Her book, "Apollo’s Angels," was named one of The New York Times Book Review’s 10 Best Books of 2010.

Earlier in the week we spoke with Jennifer Homans – the writer and former dancer whose recent book - "Apollo's Angels" - is a very thorough cultural history of ballet. After the show, we received a question on line from listener Gabby from Manhattan. She asked: “How did the tutu become the ballet "uniform"? It is a very unforgiving dress!” Jennifer Homans joins us again to tell us the tale behind the tulle.

Ballet - a true storytellers art - is enjoying a moment in the spotlight. Yet few know the origins of a practice that is more than 400 years old. Dancer and historian Jennifer Homans joins us to explore the story of ballet from its Renaissance beginnings -- to her predictions for ballet’s continued life in the 21st century. Her recent book, "Apollo’s Angels," was named one of The New York Times Book Review’s 10 Best Books of 2010.