Amazing new documentary directed by Ric Burns on the origins and history of the American Ballet Theater, what it takes to be in ballet, the language of ballet, and highlights of 75 years at the ABT.
American Ballet Theatre has been a diverse company from the beginning, not limiting itself to one choreographer, but including several at one time, and asking the dancers to work with each. WIthin that diversity, the concept of classical ballet continued to expand and grow with new music and movements. Copland's Rodeo, choreographed by Agnes de Mille, added a new new dimension, as did Jerome Robbins with Fancy Free.
Watch live performances in Paris and Havana, grueling rehearsals in NYC, and incredible slow-motion dance footage which shows the strength, grace, and ephemerality that makes ballet dancers seem to fly. Misty Copeland, Gillian Murphy, Hee Seo, Dniil Simkin, Cory Stearns and others demonstrate the technicality, artistry, and nuances. Hear from artists pivotal to the formation of the company includng Alicia Alonso, Donald Saddler and Frederic Franklin.
Archival photos and footage of icons Jerome Robbins, George Balanchine, Agnes de Mille, Antony Tudor, and Mikhail Baryshnikov, as well as comment and footage by current dancers Susan Jaffe and Julie Kent, director Kevin McKenzie, and choreographer Alexei Ratmansky.
Bravo!
American Masters Series 104 min. DVD
