Customer Reviews

Balanchine Celebration Part Two [VHS]

5 star:		(5)
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In my previous review I failed to offer insight as to why I found this particular video so captivating. What makes it unique is that guest artists from all over the world dance in selections featured in this video.This offers a rare opportunity to see dancers not trained in the Balanchine Technique interpret his choreography, coupled with NYCB dancers who are.

Stand outs to me: * the charismatic Susan Jaffe of ABT in Western Symphony * Darcey Bussell of the Royal Ballet who is amazingly flexible as she is graceful and is partnered well with the NYCB's Lindsay Fischer. This is in the famous pas de deux from "Agon". * Kathleen Tracey, an NYCB soloist shines (as does Zippora Karz) in another pas de deux from "Agon". Tracey's smile struck me as genuine and her finger placement made her hands look like stars (excuse me as I wax poetic). This is the selection that brought me to tears several times. * Wendy Whelan also in "Agon". Her strength and lyricism really is amazing. *Ronald Perry of Dance Theatre of Harlem in a selection from "Who Cares?" This is notable not only for his interprative style, but because DTOH was created and is run by Arthur Mitchell- a former principal dancer of the NYCB. *Damien Woetzal, principal dancer for NYCB, in "Stars and Stripes".His jumps look effortless.

Finally the celebratory ending had me crying all over again. Another famous artist makes a surprise appearance which was very moving to me.I'll leave out who it was because I hope that whoever reads this will get the video and enjoy it as much as I do.

All I have to say about this video is WOW! Every piece is a unique reflection of Balanchine's genius and is performed with skill and verve by the world-class dancers of his company. Guest artists from San Francisco Ballet and the Royal Ballet, among others. Darcey Bussell, in particular, gives a stunning performance in Agon. The commentaries between pieces provide interesting information about the histories of Balanchine, his choreography, and the New York City Ballet. Buy this video and you will not be disappointed!

Balanchine Celebration II is a must have for a complete ballet library. If you are a fan of Balanchines work, it will contain along with the Celebration I most of his best choreographed ballets with such guest stars as: Darcy Bussell & Patricia Barker dancing his most profound works: AGON & APOLLO respectively. For those of you not such Balanchine disciples you may find out what this contemporary choreographer really has that makes him one of the most influencial people of our century. With out this series of Celebrations I&II your dance collection will be nill and void.

Ever thought that the ultimate example of ballet was "Swan Lake" (in other words dull)? Ever wondered why George Balanchine is considered a genius? See this Video! So varied and moving I get goosebumps thunking about it.The very first time a ballet has moved me to tears (a selection from Agon).Balanchine used to say his ballets were like omelettes and indeed, whatever dance "style" you can think of, it is in this video.Brilliant!

Balanchine danced by a truly "Who's Who" of the dance world. Excerpts of his best known ballets, with the best quality of videography one might achieve. Five stars are not enough to rate these videos. Don't forget "The Balanchine Celebration I", either.