Customer Reviews

Dancing for Mr B - Six Balanchine Ballerinas / Moylan, Tallchief, Ashley, Kistler, Hayden, Kent

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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.

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 are very interesting people, not just great dancers. They are captivating to listen to. The dance footage in this documentary is extensive and wonderful, and very rare. I would have loved to see some of his even more prominent ballerinas featured though, the one's who had been trained by him since their childhoods, especially my favorites, Heather Watts or Marjorie Sphon. But overall it was a very moving documentary that I can imagine would have a profond affect on someone who knows nothing about ballet -that's how powerful it is.

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.

I am not a decadent spectator, watching ballet for show. Middle class describes my life and 'rough' my social skills. Yet I love the ballet as a means to escape the mundane, and celebrate the human physique. The dancers are athletes, only more graceful, careening on stage in an organized disarray. Displaying power and control, they hold back seeming chaos and defy gravity. But it is the choreographer that ultimately pulls their strings, and Mr. Balanchine (Mr. B) was among the best. This documentary covers his life with the New York City Ballet which he basically founded and nourished. In it six of their more famous female artists give brief experiences of their relationship to Mr.B, and this is intersperced with clips of excellent performances. This DVD is a great introduction into the spirit of ballet as well as a great resource of ballet artists. Highly recommended.

This is a great dvd about Balanchines talent & the woman who he touched. The interviews were superb & enlightning to this great man. I am perplexed as how when he picked a prima ballerina, he seemed to fall in love with their dancing & not so much the woman. He also took it very hard when they chose to move on. I think there is a lot more about this great man that needs to be explored. This is a must see for Balanchine lovers. Of course, the great woman are just as entertaing to watch & listen to. A MUST SEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is the second time I purchase this video. First time in vhs and now in dvd format. Great documentary for dance students.

I saw this years ago on PBS and have it on an seriously worn out video cassette. I LOVED this program!

What a great tribute to BALLET! As Peter Martins said, [You won't get rich, but you will grow old with pains all over your body. You must have a deep devotion to dance]. You can't ask for more dedication than that from the ballerinas who participated in this epic DVD. Their insights, experiences, the little things and the big ones - all completely fascinating. I will watch this one again and again. I enjoyed every one's story. They all brought something very special to this homage to Mr. B, but I found Melissa Hayden's the most enjoyable. She was so articulate and funny. MG! What a great performer for such a late starter! May she RIP.

Highly recommended!

As written by my daughter:
I'm 10-years old and becoming a Prima Ballerina is my dream! I watch this documentary all the time, it makes me want to dance even more! I also enjoy listening to it's wonderful music!

Great memories from the dancers who fleshed out the choreography of Mr, B.I remember Melissa Hayden in her prime. Missing, of course, was Suzanne F.Well, I did read her book...