In 1998, Vanity Fair asked me to write a big piece for them on the 50th anniversary of the New York City Ballet. My life, to a great extent, had been spent at and with the New York City Ballet, and I decided to try it. It was very scary, writing about something I loved so much and had such strong opinions about.
In this quote, Robert Gottlieb reflects on his experience writing for Vanity Fair in 1998, where he was tasked with composing a major piece about the 50th anniversary of the New York City Ballet. He explains that the New York City Ballet was a significant part of his life, and he had spent a great deal of time at and with the company. The quote reveals that, despite his deep connection to the subject, he found the task of writing about it to be scary because it required him to articulate his strong opinions and emotional investment in something he cherished.
Gottlieb's mention of the fear he felt highlights the challenge of writing about something so personal and meaningful. Writing about a topic that one is deeply passionate about can be a daunting task, as it involves the risk of exposing one's subjectivity and possibly facing critique from others who may not share the same emotional connection or viewpoint. His candid admission about the difficulty of the task reflects the vulnerability that often comes with writing about subjects one holds dear.
The origin of the quote comes from Robert Gottlieb, an influential editor, writer, and dance critic known for his work with several prominent publications, including Vanity Fair. As a dance critic with a longstanding relationship with the New York City Ballet, Gottlieb’s insights into the company are informed by years of observation and deep personal connection. His decision to write about the anniversary was both a professional opportunity and a deeply personal challenge.
Ultimately, Gottlieb's quote underscores the complexity of writing about topics that one feels passionately about. It highlights the balance between objectivity and personal connection, as well as the emotional courage required to write with honesty and depth about subjects that matter deeply to the writer.
QTNguyen Quynh Trang
I find it inspiring that Gottlieb took on the challenge despite fear. This speaks to the courage it takes to express deeply held views publicly. Does fear motivate writers to be more meticulous, or can it stifle creativity? His willingness to confront that vulnerability might have enriched his writing in unexpected ways.
Bbinhden
The mention of Vanity Fair as the platform adds another layer—how do prestigious publications influence the way writers approach sensitive or beloved subjects? Is there more pressure to produce a polished, definitive piece? It would be interesting to hear about the editorial process behind such significant commissions and how writers manage expectations.
PTBa Hoang Phuc Tran
Gottlieb’s experience highlights the intersection of personal history and professional responsibility. I’m curious how long his relationship with the New York City Ballet had been and how that shaped his perspective. When writing about institutions or communities you belong to, how do you navigate potential conflicts of interest or emotional bias?
VTvy Thao
This quote made me wonder about the pressures involved in commemorating major milestones like the New York City Ballet’s 50th anniversary. How do writers approach such assignments knowing their work will be scrutinized by both fans and insiders? Does the weight of history and personal experience make the creative process more challenging or rewarding?
PTPlus Tuboss
Robert Gottlieb’s admission of fear when writing about something so close to his heart is relatable. How do personal passions both inspire and intimidate writers when tackling subjects they deeply care about? Does having strong opinions enhance the authenticity of the piece, or does it risk bias? I’d love to know how he balanced his emotional connection with the need for objective critique in his article.