Author Description

Mary Anthony is one of the unrecognized heroes in the history of modern dance. During the time she taught for Hanya Holm, she trained Alwin Nikolais and later in her own school, her teaching was an influence on the lives of many dancers. Despite her influence, Mary is not recognized on the modern dance history tree. Hopefully this biography will change that and bring this hidden diamond into the light for all to see. A Dancer's Journey - It All Began with a Lie covers Mary Anthony's childhood, as well as the joys and hardships she experienced in the course of achieving her dreams. Included is the creation of her school, and later, her company. The book explores her golden years, her struggles, and surviving her greedy landlord in New York City. These events illustrate her tenacity and ability to withstand and conquer the many challenges in her life. Mary Price Boday, Master Teacher, Choreographer, and Dance Specialist earned her Bachelor and Master of Fine Arts Degrees from the University of Oklahoma. Part Cherokee Indian, she danced professionally in New York City with Leonard Fowler Ballet, Mary Anthony Dance Theatre, Pearl Lang Dance Company, Larry Richardson Dance Company, and the Gaku Dance Company (Dick Gain, Dick Kuch, and Sophie Maslow). In Switzerland, she danced in the ballet companies of St Gallen Stadt Theatre Ballet and the Zurich Ballet. Her teaching experience includes Harkness Ballet, St Gallen Ballet, Zurich Ballet, University of Illinois, David Howard Summer Workshops, Mercyhurst College, Illinois Ballet (artistic director), Oklahoma City Ballet, and Oklahoma City University. Mary's has choreographed for Harkness Ballet 2, St Gallen Ballet, University of Illinois, Mercyhurst College, the Illinois Ballet, Opera Illinois, and Mary and Friends.