Ann Barzel facts for kids

Ann Barzel (born December 13, 1905 – died February 12, 2007) was an amazing American writer, critic, and teacher who loved dance. She spent her life sharing her passion for dance with others.

Biography

Early Life and Dance Training

Ann Barzel moved to Chicago in 1920. She started learning dance there from teachers like Mark Turbyfill and Adolph Bolm. From about 1931 to 1943, Ann was a professional dancer herself. She studied many different dance styles. Her teachers were famous, including Michel Fokine and Doris Humphrey. She also learned at places like the School of American Ballet. Ann danced in shows for the Chicago Civic Opera Ballet. She also performed with a group led by Berenice Holmes.

Becoming a Dance Expert

In the 1940s, Ann Barzel started teaching dance. She also gave talks about dance history. She lectured at places like the University of Chicago and Columbia College Chicago. Around this time, she also began writing reviews. She reviewed dance shows, theater plays, and even nightclub events in Chicago.

Ann was a dance critic for the Chicago Times from 1946 to 1950. After that, she joined Chicago's American (which later became Chicago Today). She worked there from 1951 to 1974. Ann also wrote for Dance Magazine for 40 years. She covered dance events happening in the Midwest for the magazine. Later, she wrote for the Lerner Newspapers (a Chicago weekly) from 1974 to 2003. She also wrote for other dance publications around the world.

Awards and Recognition

Ann Barzel helped start the Ballet Guild of Chicago. In 1979, she received the Governor's Award for her great work in the arts. In 1986, the Chicago Dance Arts Coalition honored her for her lifetime achievements. She also received the 1994 Vaslav Nijinsky Medal from Poland. In 1995, she was the only person honored at a special "Toast" event. This event was sponsored by Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs.