Customer Reviews

Dancing for Mr B: 6 Balanchine Ballerinas [VHS]

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I value this video so much and have watched it countless times. I love hearing about the development and early years of the New York City Ballet from the dancers who were there and helped make it possible, Mary Ellen Moylan, Maria Tallchief, Melissa Hayden and Allegra Kent.

As they describe these early years and their own development as dancers there are stiils and some footage of usually poor quality- which is why their recorded memories are that much more valuable.Filming images then wasn't as easy as it is today!But their memories of the excitement they felt dancing and working with Balanchine are strong. So strong that a couple of times Allegra Kent slips and speaks in the present tense."Exciting" and "Exhilarating" are two words they all use at some point to describe their experiences.

There are also interviews with Merill Ashley and Darci Kistler- the latter being the youngest dancer made principal in the history of the NYCB.In part, I would think because as she says, "Balanchine said to me, 'You know, I don't have much time.'" Notably missing is Suzanne Farrell, arguably Balanchine's greatest muse. But the dancer's who speak of her are honest and diplomatic in describing her presence in the company and how it effected them.And there is included a short clip from Apollo showing Ms. Farrell with Peter Martins.

If you are a fan of ballet and of Balanchine's work, I really believe this is a "must have".

This was good for its in-depth interviews with the women who danced for Balanchine (Maria Tallchief, etc). For someone looking for more studio footage, however, this may not be the video for you. While certainly interesting, it is interview- heavy.

This is a terrific video that I have watched countless times. Fascinating observations and anecdotes about Mr. B from the ballerinas who worked closely with him. The chronological progression from his first ballerina to his last gives you an idea of the scope of his career.
I wish this was available on DVD.

Touching. lots of extensive, detailed interviews with six of his unique ballerina's, all very eloquent and talented and of such wonderful character, it's not hard to understand how he was so inspired by these ballerinas. There is great footage of each of them dancing, which is a joy, including very old and rare footage of Tanaquil, his wife, during a rehearsal. And a long exerpt of tiny Allegra Kent beautifully dancing the 2nd movement of Balanchine's 'Symphony in C' ballet. The choreography and music, paticularly in that piece, are so ethereally beautiful and unlike any ballet I've seen before...well, that's Balanchine for you!!!
I've watched certain dances on this tape over and over because they're so beautiful and mesmerizing. This documentary more than explores Balanchine's genius; it gives a VERY intimate look into the life of those dancers who made his ballet's come alive. And these aren't just any old dancer's - ballet is a very competitive profession, and these paticular six dancers were chosen by Balanchine himself, these are dancers on which Balanchine CREATED ballets. They each have a distinct dancing style - which shows Balanchine's diverse interest in dancers. However, the documentary includes a segment on Suzanne Farrell, Balanchine's absolute ideal and longtime favorite ballerina of the NYCB - and how she overshadowed the rest of the company with her talent and extreme favoritism from balanchine. He favored her above all others for over twenty five years, but I think furthermore this segment makes it all the more interesting to learn about and watch these six other great dancers and how they coped with the eternal domination of Ms. Farrell!

Not only was George Balanchine one the most influencial people of our century, he was an innovator, entrepreneur, choreographer, and most importantly an influence. In this video you will learn about the unmeasurable impact this "artistic director" had on the ballet world, as well as his impact on the human spirit. You will see from the interviews the emotions he derived from his dancers. The enlightenment portrayed , as well as the tears shown help you to realize how Mr. B not only changed ballet as we know it, but people as well.

I love the New York City Ballet and the works of George Balanchine. This video allowed me to see real footage of ballets and ballerinas that I wouldn't be able to see otherwise. The history of the company is fascinating as are all the ballerinas interviewed. It is amazing to see the profound impact that Balanchine had on their lives. I loved the glimpse that I got of their interaction with Balanchine, how he works with ballerinas, how he creates a ballet, what kinds of things are important to him (and them). Watching the ballerinas in practice and performance and seeing how the technique and the qualities are brought out in them is beautiful! I never get tired of watching this tape!

While this video gives a great account of Balanchine and the persona of the dancers who he was particularly attracted to, it fails to deliver much in the way of substantial information. Balanchine is continually underrepresented in academic study. If you're looking for something a little more meaty, try Robert Garis' book "Following Balanchine". This video is a fun watch though. The woman with the flower is something to behold!