In Memoriam: Barbara Palfy 1936–2014

Abstract

born. Then, she turned her attention to copyediting and proofreading of dance books and journals. Among the mainstays of the dance world for which she worked are Princeton Book Company, the International Encyclopedia of Dance, Ballet Review, and Dance Chronicle. But Barbara did far more than "work for" anyone-she passionately befriended dancers and writers, guided us, found connections for us, cheered us on, shared her wisdom on everything from life to line edits, from friendship to formatting, from art to apostrophes. Barbara knew languages (Greek, French, German, Yiddish-what else?), music (she was a serious piano student and devoted concert-goer), and so much else that crossed her desk. Barbara was particularly dear to us at Dance Chronicle because of her longtime support as associate editor of the journal. Barbara read copy, proofed issues, suggested reviewers, found contacts, commented on articles, listened to our concerns and questions, offered advice, relished good writing, made troubled writing better, knew more about dance history than seemed fathomable-the list of her gifts to us goes on. A few friends have written comments on Barbara that we are glad to share with the many readers who cherished her as a colleague.