VIDEO: PBS Doc WHEN I'M HER Explores Dancer's Alter Ego
Dancer Michael Cusumano finds refuge and liberation by assuming an alter ego: a sparkly turban-wearing, Russian ballet instructor named Madame Olga.
By: A.A. Cristi Jun. 21, 2021
Michael Cusumano was a luminary figure at American Ballet Theatre in New York and had a stellar career ahead of him, but trauma from his past prevented him from fully realizing his potential.
Over time, he finds refuge and liberation by assuming an alter ego: a sparkly turban-wearing, Russian ballet instructor named Madame Olga. Through Olga, Michael is able to give aspiring dancers a place to flourish - and is the mentor he never had for himself.
"When I'm Her" follows the double life of a dancer as he inhabits his alter ego, and as Olga challenges authority, takes on a life of her own, and generates a following for her unconventional ballet classes.
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