Lost ballerina finds her way back

WHAT a great piece on ballerina Gelsey Kirkland, starring in the new staging of “The Sleeping Beauty” [“Return of the Lost Ballerina,” July 15]. Her exceptional tell-all book, “Dancing on My Grave,” was a must-read backstage among us chorus boys and showgirls in Ice Capades as the same extremes about weight and appearance were placed upon us as well as Las Vegas dancers. We faced docking of salary per pound and had a management that encouraged bulimic “hugging the white wishing well and yelling ralph!” to fit their visual ideals as we wore our costumes and smiled nightly.

I am thrilled to see her pursuing her career again. She is an exquisite talent. Thanks, Lewis Segal, for spotlighting a talent that richly deserves it!

CRAIG CARR

West Hills