This wonderful film is a needed record of the famous Ballet Russes, an essential piece of 20th century dance history. Though there may be critics who feel that many details are left out, one never feels the lack. The filmmakers' careful attention to detail and editing crafts a clear, inspiring, and engaging story. Interviews with some of the greatest dancers of the century recall the colorful history of two ballet companies, The Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo directed by Massine, and the Original Ballet Russe, led by Colonel de Basil. The first Ballet Russe had been founded by Serge Diaghilev.
If you know dance history you will be satisfied with the remarkable archival footage, and if you don't know your dance, you will come away entertained, amazed and edified. The directors make brilliant use of interviews with some old but remarkably vivacious dancers. Their oral histories are filled with intrigue, bravado, and passion. These are not folks who have slipped quietly into old age. Despite the fact that many are in their late 80's (in the case of Frederic Franklin an active and svelte 90) all the enthusiasm, artistry and love for dance are fully alive in their eyes, and in the witty and insightful stories they tell. The account of these two companies is tied together with amazing clips of the classic dances, which makes the history delightfully clear. Although the clips are silent the filmmakers are faithful to the original scores that were used, something that does not always happen in such films. Nothing feels arbitrary or gratuitous. In fact, all the editing particularly the cross cuts from the faces the dancers today to images of their beautiful youthful selves adds poignancy and timelessness.
More than just a film about art history, "Ballet Russes", reminds us that the arts may be ephemeral, but that they have an enduring and timeless value. Those who dedicate themselves to the arts, whether through their minds, imaginations, bodies, hands, or words, have much to tell us and teach us. These artists have the great fortune to have led lives, often at the cost of personal or material sacrifice, that are both unique and source of continual inspiration. Ballet Russes catches that inspiration.
If you know dance history you will be satisfied with the remarkable archival footage, and if you don't know your dance, you will come away entertained, amazed and edified. The directors make brilliant use of interviews with some old but remarkably vivacious dancers. Their oral histories are filled with intrigue, bravado, and passion. These are not folks who have slipped quietly into old age. Despite the fact that many are in their late 80's (in the case of Frederic Franklin an active and svelte 90) all the enthusiasm, artistry and love for dance are fully alive in their eyes, and in the witty and insightful stories they tell. The account of these two companies is tied together with amazing clips of the classic dances, which makes the history delightfully clear. Although the clips are silent the filmmakers are faithful to the original scores that were used, something that does not always happen in such films. Nothing feels arbitrary or gratuitous. In fact, all the editing particularly the cross cuts from the faces the dancers today to images of their beautiful youthful selves adds poignancy and timelessness.
More than just a film about art history, "Ballet Russes", reminds us that the arts may be ephemeral, but that they have an enduring and timeless value. Those who dedicate themselves to the arts, whether through their minds, imaginations, bodies, hands, or words, have much to tell us and teach us. These artists have the great fortune to have led lives, often at the cost of personal or material sacrifice, that are both unique and source of continual inspiration. Ballet Russes catches that inspiration.