On the walls were posters announcing his performances and photos displaying the spectacular grace and skill that won him worldwide acclaim. He was not as excited by my news as I had expected. Apparently. others In the past offered hope. but in the end. to no avail. It had been so long since he danced that he was in a state of melancholy. He first applied for his visa in March. 1972. and has been Idle since then. "Life without dance for me is death." he said. There were scores of others with whom I met and spoke. Some perhaps less famous. but none less courageous.