The DVD Corner
The camera can play with space, the human body, and movement in ways that extend and sometimes wow the viewer. This comes as no surprise given the abundance of movies and computer games with special effects. Obviously, dance and movement also offer unlimited possibilities for visual experimentation, and dancers and filmmakers have been exploring the potential of using the camera’s power to extend dance through time and space for over fifty years. As a result, the world of dance has benefited enormously from both documentaries and filmed ballets that preserve once and for all the performances of artists who are and will become legends and the ballets they dance.
Top of this month’s list:
“The Sleeping Beauty On Ice” The Russian All Stars 1994/105 minutes
The music is familiar, the story is the same, but in this gentle interpretation, everyone has entered another world where the fairy dust has settled on a group of talented skaters. Yes, ice skates replace pointe shoes; and as the graceful skaters glide around the small ice stage, shimmering costumes float in the air. Apart from an occasional arabesque, the skating is traditional with swirling turns, acrobatic jumps, and dazzling lifts. There is more excitement than emotion in this interpretation of a familiar classic, but anyone who loves to watch ice-skating will enjoy this special production. Synopsis/chapters
A Must Own:
“The Tales of Beatrix Potter” Dancers of The Royal Ballet 1971/90 minutes
The popular Beatrix Potter tales jump off of the screen in this enchanting, amazing DVD that will charm children of all ages. Camera magic, extraordinary masks that cover each dancer’s head and face, music that seems to speak, and choreography by Sir Frederick Ashton that characterizes each of the animals transform the Royal Ballet dancers into a lively, mischievous group of imaginary animals. The rolling, green hills of the English countryside add to the realistic setting, as do the extraordinary costumes. This delightful, lighthearted film will have you smiling as you watch the pages of Potter’s delicate watercolors come to life. Theatrical Trailer
Dance Collection:
“La Fille Mal Gardee” The Royal Ballet 1981/96 minutes
Lesley Collier’s inspired performance as a dancer/actress in Sir Frederick Ashton’s updating of the 18th century ballet “La Fille Mal Gardee,” mirrors the sunny nature of this period piece, filmed during a performance at London’s Royal Opera House. The story, the sets, the costumes are all picture book pretty, and even the jaunty melodies of Ferdinand Herold are light-hearted. A chorus line of huge chickens, a maypole dance, and some amusing hi-jinks reflect Ashton’s sense of humor, while the clog dance, performed by Brian Shaw as the Widow Simone, an old tradition of en traveste, or a male pretending to be female, is one of this ballet’s delightful variations. The camera’s close-ups add another dimension, zooming in on Ms. Collier’s precise footwork, or lingering lovingly on the playful pas de deux. Scene selections