"The one important thing I have learnt over the years is the difference between taking one's work seriously and taking one's life seriously. The first is imperative and the second, disastrous." So decreed the legendary ballerina who was born Margaret Hookham, nicknamed Peggy, and eventually became kn

Bright, Classical, Ebullient, Elegant, Euphoric, Glamour

Iris Murdoch's fiction has a way of exposing fears and insecurities; suspense and an impending sense of death drive the plots of many of her novels. Dark, uncontrollable forces are abroad in her world, and keep her readers shifting, looking over their shoulders, and counting the shadows on the wall.

Classical, Contemplative, Elegant, Expansive, Post-war literature, Psychological

With long, lithe, limber legs, impossibly arching feet, and enviable turn-out, Michael Clark's physique resembles that of a ballerina. He has even pushed that comparison himself by donning a tutu. On the other hand, he's also danced around in an "I Hate NY" T-shirt and his birthday suit. Clark exp

Body politic/identity dance, Classical, Dissonant, Erotic, Expansive, Grand, Gritty, Manic, Pure movement

Giotto di Bondone, whom art historians designate the first painter of the Italian Renaissance, was apparently discovered while sketching sheep. A well-known Florentine artist looked over the boy's shoulder and was impressed by what he saw -- so impressed that he persuaded Giotto's father to let the l

Bright, Classical, Huge, Joyful, Monumental, Religious, Renaissance art