While the term 'diva' is now generally associated with pop stars and other celebrities, it's origin is actually in opera - the term entered the English language around 1864 to 1883, initially used to honor an exceptionally talented, celebrated female opera singer. And thanks to Denver Art Museum's new exhibit DIVA, visitors can explore the world of divas - from Maria Callas to Taylor Swift - and how the power of costume and dress has been a tool across time for many performers.
Drop in to Denver Central Library and visit the north side of Level 3 for a book display featuring divas of every stripe, from music to fashion to sports, all available for check out. Here's just a taste of what you'll find there:
The Swans of Harlem: Five Black ballerinas, Fifty Years of sisterhood, and the Reclamation of Their Groundbreaking History by Karen Valby - The forgotten story of a pioneering group of five Black ballerinas, the first principals in the Dance Theatre of Harlem, who traveled the world as highly celebrated stars in their field and whose legacy was erased from history until now.
Cher: the Memoir by Cher - The extraordinary life of Cher can be told by only one person... Cher herself. After more than seventy years of fighting to live her life on her own terms, Cher finally reveals her true story in intimate detail, in the first of a two-part memoir.
Prince: Black, White, Color by Steve Parke - With over 250 images, this stunning volume marks the 10th anniversary of Prince's passing by showing a side of him that was seldom if ever publicised during his lifetime.
Star of the Show: My Life on Stage by Dolly Parton - A stunning celebration of Dolly Parton's iconic career as a performer, featuring entertaining personal stories alongside 350 full-color photographs, including exclusive images and ephemera from her archive, and an 8-page gatefold listing her performances.
The Marilyn Monroe Century by Bruno Bernard - A a lavishly produced tribute to Marilyn Monroe on her 100th birthday, documenting her transformation from Norma Jeane to Marilyn Monroe through never-before-seen photographs and diary entries by Bernard of Hollywood.
