READERS' FORUM.

I enjoy every issue of Dance Magazine immensely. I opened the October issue and began to read it with excitement. As I reached my favorite feature, Hotline, my eyes were immediately drawn to the photo of Gillian Murphy, one of my favorite dancers from American Ballet Theatre.

I beg to differ with the caption. I am certain the photo is not from La Bayadere, with Gillian Murphy as Gamzatti, but it is Le Corsaire, with Gillian as Odalisque. I'm sure of this because I'm in the photo, right below her left arm, as a Pasha's servant.

What? My grand debut in Dance Magazine with an incorrect caption? Phooey! But it was such fun finding myself in the magazine.

Michele Marino
Ossining, N.Y.

ELIZABETH PARKINSON INSPIRES

I am writing this letter in response to the article "Full Frontal Fosse," by Gus Solomons Jr., in the September 1999 issue of Dance Magazine. The story of Elizabeth Parkinson's life is both inspirational and encouraging. Even though she was determined to pursue dance, she also excelled in school academics and attended college.

I know from personal experience that making these choices can be difficult. I am currently a high school sophomore. In eighth grade I was accepted by a private high school that is highly regarded academically. Previously I had performed in The Nutcracker for two years with Dance West Ballet Company.

In my freshman year of high school I made the decision not to attend the high school, but instead, to perform in The Nutcracker one last time.

This year, as a sophomore I did not audition for The Nutcracker and am now attending the private high school. Yet, I continue to pursue ballet in my spare time.

I am confident in my decision and thank Dance Magazine for depicting dancers who also strive for academic excellence.

Jacqueline March
St. Charles, III.

KIRSTEN RALOV REMEMBERED

It was with great sadness I read about the death of Kirsten Ralov in the September issue of Dance Magazine.

In the summer of 1990, Ms. Ralov taught the International Ballet Symposium at Towson State University. She was so enthusiastic. She demonstrated everything "full out," much to the delight of the students and observers. It was here that she epitomized the spirit and buoyancy of the Bournonville technique.

I am reminded of her daily, as her picture graces my office wall. Now, that photograph and the kind words she wrote on it will forever remind me of the lovely lady that she was. With her death, those of us fortunate enough to have known her can feel blessed that we shared a moment of her life.

Helene Breazeale, Ph.D.
Executive Director
World Cello Congresses
Towson State University
Baltimore, Md.

"COMING OUT" APPLAUDED

I am the Southern Regional Chair for the Illinois Family Partnership Network, which is a parent empowerment group. The region covers the bottom 31 counties of the state. The reason I'm writing is to obtain permission to copy the article "Coming Out in Dance: Paths to Understanding (November 1999) In November, our network is holding a conference on celebrating diversity. This article is perfect! I have been researching the Gay and Lesbian culture for just such an article. I was thrilled to find it in Dance Magazine

Thank you. Congratulations and keep up the good work!

Joyce Moore-Ladd, M.P.A.
via email

... AND MORE APPLAUSE

It was great to read Dr. Linda Hamilton's piece on coming out in the November issue. I just want to add that another group, perhaps very small in dance, that can face social hostility and issues similar to those faced by gays, are transgendered persons. Transgendered persons gender expression is not congruent to the conventional expectations of their biology. Such persons identify with the opposite gender, to some degree or completely.

I am a transgendered person and I have met others similar to me in dance classes.

Andrew Kaspryk
Chicago, IL