Ballets Russes
Unearthing a treasure trove of archival footage, filmmakers Dan Geller and Dayna Goldfine have fashioned an ode to the revolutionary twentieth-century dance troupe known as the Ballets Russes - the birth of modern ballet. Many of the original company are still alive, and have been candidly interviewed.
What began as a group of Russian refugees who never danced in Russia became not one but two rival dance troupes who fought the infamous "ballet battles" that consumed London society before World War II.
Reviews & comments
aN INTERESTING story full of personality
For those with an interest in ballet, a must see, for those without, interesting. The 20th century history and development of US ballet. Never able to make money, made and destroyed by it's personalities though maintained for as long as it was by it's talent.
Variety
pressMuch more than a specialty item for dance aficionados. Breathlessly canvassing the six-decade history of the various companies that danced under the Ballet Russe moniker, Dayna Goldfine and Dan Geller's expertly crafted, years-in-the-making docu takes viewers on an ebullient odyssey from Russia to Australia to whistle-stop America, populated by a cast of charismatic, eternally young-at-heart ballet vets...
Salon
pressIt's a profoundly optimistic and delightful movie, for balletomanes and neophytes alike. It made me happy for days afterward...
New Zealand Herald
pressA fascinating story of huge egos and desperate scheming, interleaving archival footage and stills with new interview material, including the famous "Baby Ballerinas" - the three pre-teen dancers engaged by Balanchine who charmed audiences across Europe and made ballet into an entertainment sensation...
Los Angeles Times
pressA captivating film that truly elevates the spirit, Ballets Russes is the most emotionally satisfying documentary since "Mad Hot Ballroom"...
Empire Magazine
pressOne of the finest documentaries ever about the performing arts, this magisterial history of the companies that danced under the name Ballet Russe will enchant dance aficionados and novices...
Variety
pressMuch more than a specialty item for dance aficionados. Breathlessly canvassing the six-decade history of the various companies that danced under the Ballet Russe moniker, Dayna Goldfine and Dan Geller's expertly crafted, years-in-the-making docu takes viewers on an ebullient odyssey from Russia to Australia to whistle-stop America, populated by a cast of charismatic, eternally young-at-heart ballet vets...
Salon
pressIt's a profoundly optimistic and delightful movie, for balletomanes and neophytes alike. It made me happy for days afterward...
New Zealand Herald
pressA fascinating story of huge egos and desperate scheming, interleaving archival footage and stills with new interview material, including the famous "Baby Ballerinas" - the three pre-teen dancers engaged by Balanchine who charmed audiences across Europe and made ballet into an entertainment sensation...
Los Angeles Times
pressA captivating film that truly elevates the spirit, Ballets Russes is the most emotionally satisfying documentary since "Mad Hot Ballroom"...
Empire Magazine
pressOne of the finest documentaries ever about the performing arts, this magisterial history of the companies that danced under the name Ballet Russe will enchant dance aficionados and novices...
aN INTERESTING story full of personality
For those with an interest in ballet, a must see, for those without, interesting. The 20th century history and development of US ballet. Never able to make money, made and destroyed by it's personalities though maintained for as long as it was by it's talent.
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