Finis Jhung: Ballet for Life artwork

Finis Jhung: Ballet for Life

5 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 5 ratings

For the first time, dance legend Finis Jhung shares his incredible journey from a humble childhood amid the chaos of World War II Hawai'i to an extraordinary career as a dancer on Broadway, in film, and with the Joffrey and Harkness ballet companies and then as the founder of the critically acclaimed Chamber Ballet U.S.A. Ballet for Life: A Pictorial Memoir is filled with nearly 300 gorgeous photos—most of them never before published-along with Finis's own distinctively witty commentary on his personal and professional life and his intimate recounting of the freedom that he gained from his conversion to Buddhism 50 years ago. The memoir also lovingly pays tribute to many of the fascinating dance personalities whom Finis met along the way.

Today at the age of 83, Finis's story continues as a much-sought-after master ballet teacher and coach, who imparts his own innovative ballet technique to dancers in New York City through popular classes and to dancers everywhere through a library of his own instructional videos and online classes.

Performing Arts Arts Religion & Spirituality Buddhism aids buddhism fairway feldenkrais jfk pirouette vaudeville westsidestory aliciaalonso americanballettheatre
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Episodes

Life With a New Hip: 2017-Today

March 24, 2021 20:21 - 38 minutes - 34.5 MB

Finis catches us up to present times talking about the decision to finally get hip replacement surgery, recovery, return to Ailey Extension & COVID-19. Streamed live on on June 26, 2020.

Master Teacher, Entrepreneur & Billy Elliot Days: 1994-2017

March 15, 2021 20:31 - 48 minutes - 89.4 MB

Finis continues making instructional videos, connects with Ailey Extension and gets involved with Billy Elliot: The Musical. Streamed live on June 19, 2020    

Buddhist Gods rescue Finis from financial ruin & open new career paths: 1986-1994

March 12, 2021 20:56 - 48 minutes - 89.4 MB

Buddhist Gods rescue Finis from financial ruin and lead him on new career paths: BDC, Video Production, Teacher Workshops. Streamed live on June 12, 2020.  

Chamber Ballet USA: 1982-1986

March 10, 2021 16:01 - 46 minutes - 85.2 MB

Finis risks it all to make his dream come true forming his own ballet company. Streamed live on Jun 5, 2020

Return to Ballet: 1972 - 1982

February 03, 2021 21:09 - 44 minutes - 40 MB

Finis' memoir recollections continue with his return to ballet as a happy Buddhist nobody without a job, about to become a ballet teacher who hasn’t a clue. Streamed live on May 29, 2020