Search - Ballerina on DVD

Best ballet documentary ever!

Nancita bonita | southern california | 06/10/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the best ballet documentary I have ever seen on the Kirov. It is almost a sequel to "The Children of Theater Street." The Kirov has taken its history and technique and brought it into the modern arena - even the leotards and tights are like amazing costumes from Karinska. These women have incredible technique and artistry - each one very different from the last. They are current and yet old fashioned, in a good way, at the same time. If you're a dancer - you'll love this because its is filled with behind the scenes, rehearsals, class, and life in the reality of being a Russian dancer. Interesting perspective on performance scenes as well."

Excellent behind the scenes documentary

Paul E. Richardson | Montpelier, VT | 07/09/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"You don't have to be enamored of Russian ballet to be struck by its beauty, by the intense years of dedication and hard work (to say nothing of innate talent) it takes to succeed in the rarified air of the Mariinsky or the Bolshoi.

This excellent new documentary takes you behind the scenes at the world-renowned Vaganova Academy in St. Petersburg, the guardian of Russian classical ballet (see Russian Life, Nov/Dec 2008). It traces the lives and fortunes of a handful of ballerinas in training, following recent graduates through their first years of service in the Mariinsky, while comparing their careers with those of world-renowned primas. In all, it is an astoundingly intimate, up-close portrait of these dancers' lives.

One of the most unexpectedly fascinating parts of the film, however, is when the cameras turn to interview a leading dancer from Paris. His declaration of the unparalleled toughness and grit of Russian dancers is insightful as only the judgement of one's peers can be. (As reviewed in Russian Life)"

Into the World of Ballet

Amos Lassen | Little Rock, Arkansas | 07/13/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Ballerina"

Into the World of Ballet

Amos Lassen

Here is a movie that will make you feel good all over. "Ballerina" is a first row seat to some of the best ballet you will ever see and is an in-depth look at what it means to be a ballerina with all of the ferocity and fragility.
"Ballerina" was made by Frenchman Bertrand Normand who went to Russia to follow the careers of five prima ballerinas and he lets us look and see what a young girl must do to become a top ballet dancer. We know that behind every ballerina is great discipline that comes from years of practice and training and the five dancers that we meet here are tough as nails. Ballet is a classic art that seems to be becoming rare and it is a demanding profession. In Russia, ballet is still as important as ever and it is the place where true ballerinas are trained. We go through the curtain that separates the dancer from the audience at the Mariinsky Theater (once the Kirov). We meet Alina, Ulyana, Eugenia, Svetlana, and Diana who are our five ballerinas. We watch the metamorphosis that is permanent as each morphs into the dancer she is to become and we are witness to the hard work and exercise these girls must endure. The film is an eye-opener.
This is one you do not want to miss. It is one of the most beautiful cinematic experiences I have ever had and gave me a new appreciation for ballet.
"

Excellent documentary

Essential Logic | Kirksville, MO United States | 10/23/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This documentary is a suitable companion piece to the old Soviet era "The Children of Theater Street" and a welcome antidote to Hollywood's depictions of the life and training of professional dancers. Any university or college that has a dance program or dance team should buy this for the fine arts media collection."