Allegra Kent was a leading dancer with The New York City Ballet for more than thirty years. She has coached principal roles in the Balanchine repertory with various companies. She is the author of Allegra Kent’s Water Beauty Book, and, with James and Constance Camner, The Dancer’s Body Book. A 2009 Dance Magazine honoree, she teaches various levels of ballet at Barnard College/Columbia University.



ONCE A DANCER:
An Autobiography
University Press of Florida, October 2009
Genre: Inspiration & Self-Help
Agent: Faith Hamlin

“In [Balanchine’s] garden of unearthly delights, Allegra Kent was the most enchanting bloom of all…”—Vanity Fair

Allegra Kent is famous for becoming George Balanchine’s muse during the New York City Ballet’s golden years. Her popularly acclaimed autobiography is now re-released in paperback with a new afterword from the author.

This unusual and fascinating autobiography chronicles the life of Allegra Kent, one of the most famous-and notorious-of Balanchine’s prima ballerinas. This book pulls back the curtain to reveal the backstage drama, involving art, dance, infidelity, philosophy, sexual intrigue, and eccentric outbursts. Entirely entertaining and intriguing for both dance enthusiasts and those who don’t know a plié from a jeté.