Wendy Whelan: Moments of Grace

Episode #502 First Aired: January 11, 2013

Louisvillian Wendy Whelan has been a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet (NYCB) since 1991. However, after decades at the height of her profession in New York, Whelan’s childhood and roots in Louisville still inspire her.

Kentucky Muse meets Whelan as she comes home to participate in the Louisville Ballet’s 60th Anniversary Celebration. Her family and friends share home movies, photos, and special memories of Whelan’s path to becoming one of ballet’s greatest dancers.

Back in New York, Whelan takes viewers behind the scenes of the NYCB, through classes, warm ups, rehearsals, and finally, to the stage at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Along the way, we meet world-famous choreographer Christopher Wheeldon; Whelan’s husband, photographer David Michalek; and NYCB soloist Craig Hall, one of her regular dance partners. Altogether, “Moments of Grace” captures both the personality and the professional drive of one of Kentucky’s extraordinary artists.