Dear PNBS families,
You may know I’ve written a memoir titled, Illusions of Camelot. It will be published next week. I’m excited about the release. I imagine some students and their families will be curious about the book, and I thought it might be helpful if I wrote to you about it.
The book chronicles my childhood from age two to twenty in thirty-three chapters, a forward and an epilogue. The youthful stories are humorous. The adolescent stories are darker and sadder. Each family has their own norms about what is discussed with children at what age, and some of the stories may not be age-appropriate. First and foremost, a theme throughout the book is my father’s alcoholism and his eventual passing. I also write about finding my way as a young adult in New York City, with all of the pitfalls and pleasures of a new-found independence. Though there are several chapters about dance – discussing School of American Ballet, Jerome Robbins and George Balanchine, this is not a book about ballet. It is about community, family, loss and finding one’s self.
I’m proud of this book and hope people read it, but I also want to be open and transparent about content, with the understanding it may not be for readers of all ages.
I look forward to seeing you at School Performance!
Sincerely,
Peter