Search - Gaite Parisienne on DVD

A la recherche du temps perdu

Russell Graves | Chapel Hill, NC USA | 08/15/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This dvd offers the only recording of this ballet I know of. The technical quality of the filming is primitive, but given the way in which iit was created it is amazing that there's anything there at all. It provides a look at some legendary dancers at their peak, but it may not be of value to those who are not deeply devoted to ballet. The accompanying material is valuable, including a view of the ballet from the inside out in an interview with Frederick Franklin, the leading male dancer on the recording, There are also available a running commentary by Franklin and subtitles which identify the principal dancers as they appear."

Paris as it was

Andromeda | Chicago | 09/07/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although the film quality was not the greatest, it was viewable enough to see Danilova's artistry, as well as Massine's. Films like this are important because they preserve dance for future generations and provide a meaningful link into the past. There is much to emulate here and for those who have never seen the can-can danced, here it is in all its flashiness. Shades of Toulous Lautrec -- this is indeed the real thing, costumes and all. Suddenly the pictures have come to life and the dancing is perfect, even though the dancers dance with such spirit one would think they would get trampled. For those who want to go back into the past where Paris was full of passion, you won't be disappointed with this treat."

Historically interesting....but slightly unnerving....

Richard Dodge | San Diego, CA USA | 11/03/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Back in the 1950's when I got out of the Navy, Gaite Parisienne was the
first ballet I ever saw live in a theater. And I saw Ballet Russe de
Monte Carlo do it. So, this looked exciting. In some ways it is exciting. The story of the making of the film is a movie of its own.
In short...the elements for this film were gathered over a period of years and finally assembled. It is wonderful to see some important artists and the production (in black and white)...but...the film is a
bit uneven...and the speeds are adjusted to fit the music...so..sometimes
the dancers appear to be dancing much harder and faster than they would
have been. If you enjoy off beat films...this version of this ballet
will thrill you. Here is the bottom line: "Gaite Parisienne" is a very
charming ballet...it deserves a fresh new production and to be filmed
in Hi-Def, Stereo etc...I will buy that one, too. At the moment this
is all there is."

Absolutely Wonderful!

R. M. Donnelly | Cliffside Park, NJ United States | 08/01/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was a teenager when the Ballet Russe performed this ballet on their visit to southern Florida. I saw it twice. First at the Dade County Auditoriun in Miami. After which I ran to get a bunch of tickets to their performance at the Miami Beach Auditorium. I brought everyone I knew who would be dazzled. Both venues were less than ideal, but who cared. The dancing and brilliant choreography made up for these difficult performance spaces. Ah! What memories ... I have never forgotten seeing all those legendary dancers. If you like classical dance, buy this DVD and discover the foundation they established for today's dancers to build upon."