Search - Dancing for Mr B - Six Balanchine Ballerinas / Moylan, Tallchief, Ashley, Kistler, Hayden, Kent on DVD

FASCINATING DOCUMENTARY WORTH SEEING AGAIN

Operaman! | Chicago, IL United States | 08/21/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first saw this on PBS - an anthology of interviews with six of the premiere Balachine ballerinas spanning a period of time from the late 40s up until Balachine's retirement and death. Each lady relates their experiences dancing "for Mr. B", with Maria Tallchief's interview being particularly illuminating as she was for a time his wife. The women have praise and admiration (and very little criticism) for their mentor and choreographer, and their work to keep his choreography alive for future generations. Sadly Melissa Hayden has passed on since this was made. Far more than the six represented here could have been part of this documentary (LeClerq, Kirkland, Watts, Farrell, McBride) and it would have been interesting to hear the male dancer's opinion (Martins, Mitchell, d'Amboise, Villella) but that would have required a series."

Where is the movie on this great Artist?

J. Rush | 01/19/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you love ballet, you probably already own this. You most likely did what I did and bought on title alone. If you are interested in knowing why the world of dance still holds Balanchine in such high esteem, this will give you a great prespective. You will hear his dancers speak, and their stories are captivating. After watching this film, I believe you will walk away with a respect for his influence on the arts. If you seek out more information on Balanchine, I believe you will be amazed at his life. I truly believe that a great movie could be made about George Balanchine. He came from humble beginnings, came to America on his own as a young man, and changed the world of dance forever. His personal life is just as interesting-marriages to famous dancers (one struck down by Polio at 27), and a long life dedicated to his work. A complex man to be sure, and a legend that will never be replaced."

Ballet at the top.

B. A. Dilger | Charlotte, NC USA | 05/02/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am no effete male. Working class describes my life and 'rough' my social skills. Yet I love the ballet as a means to escape the mundane, and celebrate the human physique. The dancers are athletes, only more graceful, careening on stage in an organized disarray. Displaying power and control, they hold back seeming chaos and defy gravity. But it is the choreographer that ultimately pulls their strings, and Mr. Balanchine (Mr. B) was among the best. This documentary covers his life with the New York City Ballet which he basically founded and nourished. In it six of their more famous female artists give brief experiences of their relationship to Mr.B, and this is intersperced with clips of excellent performances. This DVD is a great introduction into the spirit of ballet as well as a great resource of ballet artists. Highly recommended."

Balachine lover

joanna hoke | usa | 09/02/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great dvd about Balanchines talent & the woman who he touched. The interviews were superb & enlightning to this great man. I am perplexed as how when he picked a prima ballerina, he seemed to fall in love with their dancing & not so much the woman. He also took it very hard when they chose to move on. I think there is a lot more about this great man that needs to be explored. This is a must see for Balanchine lovers. Of course, the great woman are just as entertaing to watch & listen to. A MUST SEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"