The Ballets Russes comprised of descendants of Russian emigres fleeing the 1919 revolution. There was a diaspora in Paris and a handful of girls were chosen to revitalize ballet after the death of its premier champion, Sergei Diaghilev, the originator of the Ballets Russes. Under the name Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo, the troupe of dancers were part of an artistic movement that expanded the cultural reach of ballet, while simultaneously coping with monstrous egos, literal world wars, and societal restrictions behind the scenes.
This was an excellent documentary, filled to the top with interviews of these absolute spitfire octogenarian dancers, as well as historical footage of them in their prime. If you have any interest in the arts, or ballet, this is a can't-miss documentary. It's currently streaming on Kanopy.
No comments:
Post a Comment