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DVD: The Video Dictionary of Classical Ballet
Now on DVD! The essential video dictionary of all classical ballet movements performed by some of the greatest names in American Ballet. Teachers and students alike find the Video Dictionary of Classical Ballet the most innovative and dynamic tool ever developed for learning and studying the movements of ballet. 4 1/2 hours on two DVDs, this set includes over 800 variations in Russian, French, and Cecchetti styles. Many of the movements are shown in slow motion with multiple camera angles and voice-over narrative description. This engaging program demonstrates the complete language of ballet:Positions and Directions • Barre • Linking Steps • Center Practice • Pirouettes • Adage • Allegro • Batterie • Pointe • Musical Enchainements. For easy reference, a printed index of all the movements and variations performed is included. This comprehensive guide is demonstrated by four of the most outstanding figures in American Ballet: • Kevin McKenzie (Artistic Director of American Ballet Theatre, former principal dancer, ABT) • Georgina Parkinson (Ballet Mistress of ABT; former principal dancer, Royal Ballet) • Merrill Ashley (former principal dancer, New York City Ballet) • Denise Jackson (former principal dancer, Joffrey Ballet)
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ABT In San Francisco / American Ballet Theatre
ABT In San Francisco is a dazzling display of choreographic and dancing virtuosity, an excellent precise corps in traditional and modern ballet highlights. That ambitious claim is fully justified by brilliant performances, ranging from Handel's Airs, Chausson's Jardin Aux Lilas, Tschaikovsky's The Black Swan, Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet and Gottschalk's Great Galloping Gottschalk. Live from the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco, with the San Francisco Opera Orchestra.
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Great Pas De Deux - Fonteyn, Nureyev, Makarova, Dowell, Baryshnikov, Bessmertova, and more
Stunning performances by the greatest ballet partnerships of recent times. Includes pieces from Le Corsaire, Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, and more, danced by such luminous pairings as Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev, Cynthia Harvey and Mikhail Baryshnikov, Darcey Bussell and Jonathan Cope, and many more.
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Petipa - Le Corsaire / Altynai Asylmuratova, Faroukh Ruzimatov, Yevgeny Neff, Yelena Pankova Kirov Ballet
Magnificent scenic effects and dramatic choreography have ensured the popularity of Petipa’s exotic ballet Le Corsaire, a story of pirates and shipwreck, set on the Ionian coast. This production features the Kirov Ballet with Altynai Asylmuratova and Faroukh Ruzimatov who give exuberant and extroverted performances. "…the leading dancers were little short of sensational". THE STAGE. With the Kirov Theatre Orchestra.
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Clavigo / Le Riche, Osta, Gillot, Paris Opera Ballet
Inspired by Goethe’s early romantic play Clavigo, Roland Petit’s ballet recounts the agonies of a weak-willed lover torn between the contradictory promptings of his heart and his evil spirit, which urges him to serve his own interests and forsake true love in favor of a life of debauchery. The title role was created by Nicolas Le Riche, one of the foremost dancers of today. Petit’s outstanding choreography is inventive, with powerful images, such as Clavigo’s spider-like descent on a wire. The superb and passionate dancing is set off by the structured stage design in grey, black or white panels and the beautiful late-18th-century-style pastel costumes, creating a feast for the eyes.
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Trilogy of Ballet - Nutcracker, Giselle, Romeo and Juliet / Bessmertnova, Lavrovsky, Pavlova, Gordeyev, Bolshoi Ballet
Three of the greatest ballets from Russia’s premier company, the Bolshoi, in a special collector’s set. Includes (1) Giselle. Supreme among the romantic ballets, Giselle has never before been delivered with such intensity as in this deeply moving performance, filmed live at the world-famous Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. Stars Natalia Bessmertnova and Mikhail Lavrovsky. Choreographed by Yuri Grigorovich. (2) The Nutcracker. From the stage of the renowned Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, this live recording of the most fantastic Christmas ballet ever is a spectacular treat. The cast is headed by four of Russia’s most legendary soloists—sharing the lead roles: Vladimir Vasiliev and Yekaterina Maximova in the first act, and Vyacheslav Gordeyev and Nadia Pavlova in the second. (3) Romeo and Juliet. the classic ballet in a perfect performance captured on the Bicentennial Anniversary of the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, featuring two of Russia’s most legendary soloists, Natalia Bessmertnova and Mikhail Lavrovsky.
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Kirov Classics (1991)
There's a whiff of the souvenir shop about Kirov Classics, a selection of highlights from the famous ballet company's repertoire. Committed followers will surely prefer to seek out full-length versions of the works presented here. That said, even the expert will find this disc to be a useful snapshot of the choreographic styles associated with the company. We get extracts from Petipa's Corsair and Paquita, Fokine's Chopiniana (a.k.a. Les Sylphides), the Legats' The Fairy Doll and Saint-Leon's Markitenka, while the Kirov's Artistic Director Oleg Vinogradov also gets two items, including Petrushka and the then-daring piece based on Barber's Adagio. All the above may be crowd-pleasers in their different ways, but there's plenty of interesting historical background here, too, such as Pierre Lacotte's painstaking reconstruction of Markitenka from fragmented sources. The performances are of course immaculate, and the quality of both sound and vision also makes this the perfect taster for anyone thinking of acquiring a DVD dance habit.
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Romeo and Juliet / Alessandra Ferri and Angel Corella, La Scala
The revival of the classically choreographed version of Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet by senior choreographer Kenneth MacMillan enjoyed a phenomenal success at La Scala in January 2000; it was the first time that Alessandra Ferri and Angel Corella, the acclaimed stars of the American Ballet Theatre, had danced together on stage. Hailed by the Italian press as the "new star couple," they both brought to their roles the youthfulness and innocence reflected in Prokofiev's music: Juliet, the young, inexperienced adolescent girl who puts all her faith in her feelings of love and undergoes the heights of passion as well as the depths of despair, and Romeo, the carefree young man certain of his feelings as a lover, ready to turn the established order on its head as a result, and knowing no bounds in his love for Juliet. The intensive role-play of the two protagonists turns the lovers' tragic end into a disaster we experience with them, transcending the conventions of the story's familiar close.
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Dancer's Dream: The Great Ballets of Rudolf Nureyev - Raymonda
When Nureyev took up the position of Artistic Director of the ballet of the Paris opera in 1983, his words to the dancers of the ensemble so rich in tradition were, "Don’t talk, work", and only two months later he presented his magnificent new production of Marius Petipa’s oriental ballet Raymonda. This documentary by François Roussillon examines the various aspects of this ballet, which has become a classic in the repertoire of the ballet ensemble of the Paris opera through Rudolf Nureyev’s choreography. It was made in 1998 in honor of the great ballerina Yvette Chauviré and gives the dancers and other performers who during the fifteen years since the premiere of Nureyev’s choreography in 1983 have established the success of the ballet, a chance to speak. Their reminiscences are illustrated by numerous excerpts from various performances and rehearsals. Nureyev was a workaholic, but he succeeded as did no other to pass on his enthusiasm and passion for the classical dance to young dancers. Everyone who worked with him confirms this, beginning with Elisabeth Platel, the Raymonda of 1983, and Charles Jude to Claude de Vulpian and Manuel Legris, the stars of the New York performance of Raymonda in 1986. Nureyev’s innate talent for dancing and the perfection of his rehearsal work has made Raymonda one of the greatest masterworks of ballet history.
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Dancer's Dream: The Great Ballets of Rudolf Nureyev - Romeo and Juliet Documentary
A documentary in which the Paris Opera Ballet rehearse, dance excerpts from, and discuss Rudolf Nureyev's version of Romeo and Juliet. The cast includes Elisabeth Maurin as Juliet, Manuel Legris as Romeo, Kader Belarbi as Tybalt, Lionel Delamoe as Mercutio, Yann Bridard as Benvolio, and Jean-Guillaume Bart as Paris, and the rehearsal director is Patricia Ruanne. The commentary is in French, but subtitles are provided in English, German, Italian, and Spanish.
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Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake / Makarova, Dowell, Royal Ballet Covent Garden (1982)
It is difficult to believe today that Swan Lake was a failure on its production in 1877 and was not successful until the Petipa/Ivanov version of 1895. Today it is regarded as one of the greatest works in the art of ballet. The magic of Tchaikovsky’s music, embodying the love of Prince Siegfried for the enchanted Swan Queen, has greatly contributed to making this the best loved of all classical ballets. This production, with designs by the late Leslie Hurry, stars Natalia Makarova as Odette-Odile and Anthony Dowell as Prince Siegfried. Prince Siegfried celebrates his twenty-first birthday; his mother tells him it is time to marry, but he prefers to go hunting. Alone, by a lakeside, he sees a swan who turns to human form. She is an enchanted princess who can be saved only by true love. He promises this, but is tricked by the wicked magician who disguises his own daughter as the swan-maiden. In despair, Siegfried and the swan-maiden leap to death together and their sacrifice destroys the evil power.
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American Ballet Theatre at the Met - Mixed Bill (1985)
From the Metropolitan Opera House, New York, this triple bill of ballets, with an additional glittering pas de deux, is a delightful introduction to the range and excitement of American Ballet Theatre’s repertory. The first piece is Les Sylphides in which Mikhail Baryshnikov is the poet surrounded by the drifting chorus of sylphs. The Sylvia Pas de deux is a sparkling duet for Martine van Hamel and Patrick Bissell, and it is followed by Triad, one of Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s most poetic and sensitive short ballets. Finally, in a blaze of brilliant dancing, the Grand Pas from Paquita shows off the technical virtuosity of ABT’s dancers in a cascade of mock-Spanish bravura choreography staged by Natalia Makarova from the original Petipa version.
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Rudolf Nureyev and Erik Bruhn - Their Complete Bell Telephone Hour Performances (1961-1967)
Erik Bruhn performances: Don Quixote Grand Pas with Maria Tallchief; Swan Lake "Black Swan" Pas de Deux with Sonia Arova; Coppelia Pas de Deux with Sonia Arova; Romeo & Juliet Balcony Scene with Carla Fracci; La Sylphide Grand Pas with Carla Fracci.
Rudolf Nureyev performances: Flower Festival in Genzano Pas de Deux with Maria Tallchief; Le Corsaire Pas de Deux with Lupe Serrano; Las Esmeralda "Diana and Actaeon" Pas de Deux with Svetlana Beriosova; Swan Lake "Black Swan" Pas de Deux with Svetlana Beriosova. 83 minutes, color and black and white.
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Tchaikovsky - The Nutcracker / Maximova, Vasiliev, Bolshoi (1978)
Famed Bolshoi duo Yekaterina Maximova and Vladimir Vasiliev star in this production of Tchaikovsky's beloved ballet, The Nutcracker. Maximova dances the role of Maria, the young girl whose mysterious uncle Drosselmeyer (Victor Levashov) gives her a wooden nutcracker (Vasiliev) for Christmas. When he comes to life, she rescues him from marauding mice and is taken to the Kingdom of Sweets for a series of entertaining divertissements from many nationalities. This production dates from 1987 and the sets and costumes appear to have been in use since well before then. Audio and video quality are rather crude, especially compared to the stunning DVD productions by Patrice Bart and Maurice Bejart. Bart, however, takes liberties with the story line, and Bejart throws it out altogether. Sometimes, all you need is a traditional version of a family holiday favorite, and if you want traditional, it's hard to beat the Bolshoi.
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Tchaikovsky - The Sleeping Beauty / Kirov Ballet (1989)
It may be a truism to say that Russians interpret Russian music best, but based on this stunning Kirov Ballet performance taped during its 1989 Canadian tour, it's excitingly and exhilaratingly accurate. Tchaikovsky's ballet is brought to vividly atmospheric life by the company who may dance him better than any other company, even the rival Bolshoi, especially in this production by master Kirov choreographer Marius Petipa (revised by his successor, Konstantin Sergeyev).
From the principal dancers (Larissa Lezhnina is simply fabulous as Princess Aurora, and her partner, Farukh Ruzimatov, is her equal as Prince Désiré) to the last member of the ensemble, the grace and mastery of this world-class company is in evidence from the opening Marche to the closing duet. Simon Virsaladze's tastefully opulent sets and costumes contribute strongly, as does Viktor Fedotov's conducting and the Kirov Orchestra's playing of one of ballet's most attractive scores.
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Tchaikovsky - The Sleeping Beauty / Durante, Solymosi, Dowell, Royal Ballet
This ballet may be Tchaikovsky's grandest achievement, The Nutcracker's eternal popularity notwithstanding. And when in the hands (and feet!) of the Royal Ballet, whose superlative 1994 production has been taped for posterity, the composer's singular genius for dance becomes palpable to even the most casual viewers. With choreography by Marius Petipa (who updates Kenneth Macmillan's and Anthony Dowell's work from earlier stagings) and with Dowell's lovely production, the Royal Ballet demonstrates yet again its preeminence in the world of ballet. Viviana Durante dances the princess with otherworldly grace and fluidity, and her partner Zoltan Solymosi's prince is impossibly agile and equally graceful. Dowell even contributes wonderful comic relief as the evil fairy. Barry Wordsworth and the Royal Orchestra do Tchaikovsky's beautiful score, and the remarkable dancers, justice. A ballet company at its considerable performing peak has been preserved for all.
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Romeo and Juliet (Royal Ballet)- Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn (1966)
It's not a stretch to call Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn the most sublime of all dance partners and Sergei Prokofiev the most gifted 20th-century ballet composer. And so it goes without saying that the 1966 film version of the Royal Ballet production of Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet featuring Nureyev and Fonteyn as the star-crossed lovers is an absolute must-have for anyone who cares a whit about the art. Director Paul Czinner has made all the right moves, alternating between full shots of the performers with long shots that accentuate how Kenneth MacMillan's fastidious choreography is inexorably linked to the characters, their story, the elaborate sets, and the viewer. Nicholas Georgiadis's costumes are sumptuous without being overdone, the supporting dancers and ensemble are as exquisite as the leads, and John Lanchbery conducts the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House with just the right mixture of joviality and tragedy that Prokofiev's classic score needs but doesn't always receive.
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Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake / Mezentseva, Zaklinsky, Kirov Ballet
This is a musically sensitive and superbly danced interpretation of the best-loved ballet in the Russian repertoire. Swan Lake videos come in various sizes and configurations, among which the Kirov has special claims. The ballet was not well received in its premiere production (Bolshoi, 1877); its success dates from the 1895 revival in St. Petersburg, in which the Tchaikovsky score was rearranged and a happy ending substituted for the original conclusion in which the hero and heroine die. This production is based on that revival and justifies the Kirov company's proprietary feeling about Swan Lake.
The solo dancing communicates effectively, not only Galina Mezentseva's work in the dual role of Odette/Odile, but Konstantin Zaklinsky, who is both athletic and graceful (note, for example, "Siegfried's Variation" in Chapter 20). But what makes this Swan Lake special is the precision and discipline of the Kirov corps.
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Prokofiev - Cinderella / Sibley, Dowell, Royal Ballet (1969)
Cinderella may be Sergei Prokofiev's most accessible ballet, both musically and visually, and in the hands of a master choreographer, it can be a thrilling experience. And so it is with this 1969 Royal Ballet performance, with then-resident genius Frederick Ashton pulling out all the stops in a staging guaranteed to please fans and win new converts. Ashton's particular ability to couch his innovative moves within a conventional framework is in evidence here.
The back cover calls this "an acclaimed historic performance," and historic it certainly is. Several Royal Ballet dancers are shown in top form, including Ashton (as one of our heroine's ugly stepsisters!), Anthony Dowell as the prince, and the wonderful Antoinette Sibley as Cinderella. The production itself is filled with colorful sets and vivid costumes, and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House plays Prokofiev's enchanting music under the steady baton of John Lanchberry. The video itself is simply rendered, and the unspectacular sound does the job.
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An Evening with the Royal Ballet / Nureyev, Fonteyn (1965)
In An Evening with the Royal Ballet (1963), Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn, the most famous ballet partnership of the 20th century, dance together in the first two numbers, a dreamily romantic treatment of Les Sylphides, with the choreography by Michel Fokine, and a dazzling pas de deux from Le Corsaire. Les Sylphides is treated as an ensemble number, with full involvement by the Covent Garden company as well as graceful solos by the two stars. Le Corsaire, as choreographed by Nureyev, gives him opportunities to display his remarkable technique but also allows Fonteyn to shine.
Neither appears in Frederick Ashton's choreography for La Valse, which gets to the heart of Ravel's music in a visually impressive treatment. In "Aurora's Wedding" from Sleeping Beauty choreographed by Marius Petipa, Fonteyn dances beautifully with David Blair, an excellent Florimund, though not on the Nureyev level. "Aurora's Wedding" has many brilliant solos and, like La Valse, is an impressive showcase for the company.
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Suzanne Farrell - Elusive Muse (1990)
Romantic triangles. Unconsummated passion. Jealousy. Revenge. Just another day offstage at the New York City Ballet for ballerina Suzanne Farrell and her mentor, legendary choreographer George Balanchine. Elusive Muse traces the development of Farrell into an extraordinary performer while trying to define her passionate professional and personal relationship with "Mr. B." (Farrell says dancing with Balanchine was "more passionate, more loving" than a sexual relationship would have been.) Relying heavily on interviews with Farrell and her longtime dance partner, Jacques d'Amboise (who calls her a "goddess" and the "last, great muse for Balanchine"), the film follows her evolution from awestruck student to inspiration - Balanchine created some of his most breathtaking ballets for her, and lengthy footage of them, including "Diamonds" and "Mozartiana," is shown. The story is as tortured as ballet's best: Marriage to another dancer causes their banishment from the company and she's forced to dance in Europe to keep her career alive, but she triumphantly reunites (professionally) with her mentor. While performance footage documents her artistry, interviews with other dancers and choreographers testify to her growing talent and help explain how Mr. B worked. "God sent her to me," he is quoted as saying. Here, the rest of us get to glory in his handiwork.
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Dancer's Dream: The Great Ballets of Rudolf Nureyev - La Bayadere