">
Watch full episode 25:29
Share

I cannot dance opon my toes

Act, play, and dance your interpretation of Dickinson’s ballet-themed poem, with actor Cynthia Nixon, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, dancer Jill Johnson, and poet Marie Howe.

Interested in learning more? Poetry in America offers a wide range of courses, all dedicated to bringing poetry into classrooms and living rooms around the world.

Purchase Episode

Select a digital media store to download episodes or to pre-order the full season.

iTunes Amazon

Watch on your Local Station

Use the schedule tool below to find out when Poetry in America airs on your local station. If no results appear, stream or download the episode above.

Read the Poem

I cannot dance opon my toes

by Emily Dickinson

I cannot dance opon my Toes –
No Man instructed me –
But oftentimes, among my mind
A Glee possesseth me
That had I Ballet – knowledge –
Would put itself abroad
In Pirouette to blanch a Troupe –
Or lay a Prima – mad –

And though I had no Gown of Gauze –
No Ringlet, to my Hair –
Nor hopped to Audiences – like Birds –
One Claw opon the Air –
Nor tossed my shape in Eider Balls –
Nor rolled on Wheels of Snow
Till I was out of sight in sound –
The House encore me so –

Nor any know I know the Art
I mention easy – Here –
Nor any Placard boast me
It’s full as Opera –

 

Text from Franklin 381A

+ Show More

I cannot dance opon my Toes –
No Man instructed me –
But oftentimes, among my mind
A Glee possesseth me
That had I Ballet – knowledge –
Would put itself abroad
In Pirouette to blanch a Troupe –
Or lay a Prima – mad –

And though I had no Gown of Gauze –
No Ringlet, to my Hair –
Nor hopped to Audiences – like Birds –
One Claw opon the Air –
Nor tossed my shape in Eider Balls –
Nor rolled on Wheels of Snow
Till I was out of sight in sound –
The House encore me so –

Nor any know I know the Art
I mention easy – Here –
Nor any Placard boast me
It’s full as Opera –

 

Text from Franklin 381A

- Show Less