DancePulp Season 2 Episode 13 Susan Jaffe: A Ballerina's Career In a Nutshell

In season 2, episode 13 of DancePulp, viewers are treated to an intimate glimpse into the life and career of retired ballerina Susan Jaffe. Through candid interviews and footage of her dancing, Jaffe shares the highs and lows of her journey from aspiring dancer to principal ballerina at American Ballet Theatre.

The episode begins by tracing Jaffe's early years in Washington, D.C., where she fell in love with dance at a young age and began training seriously. With her mother's support, Jaffe attended the acclaimed School of American Ballet (SAB) in New York City, where she honed her skills and developed a deep respect for the art form.

Viewers then follow Jaffe's rise through the ranks at American Ballet Theatre (ABT), where she danced for over two decades and became one of the company's most beloved and acclaimed performers. Through interviews with fellow dancers and choreographers who worked with her, viewers gain a sense of Jaffe's talent, work ethic, and dedication to her craft.

But the episode doesn't shy away from the challenges Jaffe faced over the years, both personally and professionally. Jaffe is open about her struggles with injuries, including a particularly devastating one that almost ended her career. She also discusses the pressures of performing at such a high level, and the toll that it took on her body and psyche.

Despite these challenges, Jaffe's passion for dance never waned. She continued to push herself and take risks, even as she matured as an artist and began to explore new opportunities outside of ABT. Viewers get a sense of her evolution as a dancer, from her early roles in crowd-pleasers like "Don Quixote" and "Swan Lake" to her later work with cutting-edge choreographers like Twyla Tharp and William Forsythe.

Throughout it all, Jaffe remained humble, gracious, and deeply committed to the art of ballet. She reflects on the highlights of her career, like dancing the lead in "Giselle," and the bittersweetness of retiring from the stage. But she also looks to the future, excited about the ways in which ballet continues to evolve and grow.

Overall, "Susan Jaffe: A Ballerina's Career In a Nutshell" is a moving and inspiring tribute to one of ballet's most talented and dedicated performers. Whether you're a longtime fan of Jaffe's or simply someone who appreciates the beauty and athleticism of ballet, this episode is a must-watch.