Where is the movie on this great Artist?, January 18, 2009

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.

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.

This is a must see for anyone interested in dance, theater, or classical music, not just ballet. It's beautiful - the music, the pictures, the dancing, the memories, the eloquent dancers telling their stories and recalling humorous or painful memories as ballerinas in the greatest ballet comany in the world, the NYC Ballet, all of which shape our understanding and appreciation of George Balanchine, the famous Russian choreographer and its founder - and of ballet itself. It was touching - the awe, affection and excitment theses dancers still have for Balanchine even after all these years have gone by since they've danced and since Mr. B's death (with the exception of Darci Kistler who was not yet retired during this documentary.) Mary Ellen Moylan, the first great Balanchine dancer, recalls emotionally, "I shall never forget Balanchine. To this day he is present in my life. I even dream about him at night. And I carry with me the feelings of the things he gave us." All these dancers...