A most unusual film was released recently about New York City Ballet's return to Russia 20 years after the death of Balanchine. For those of you who may have seen the Ballet Russe film, this beautiful new documentary picks up in many ways where that film left off.
The Film Society of Lincoln Center will present three screenings of Bringing Balanchine Back this coming Sunday, May 14, at 4 pm, 6:15 pm and 8:30 pm.
The film is narrated by Kevin Kline, and it chronicles New York City Ballet's summer 2003 tour to St. Petersburg, Russia, for the city's 300th anniversary. Filmed throughout this legendary city and within the historic Maryinsky Theater, it also features substantial performance excerpts of a number of ballets, some never before seen on film or television, including George Balanchine's Symphony in Three Movements, Symphony in C, Western Symphony, Serenade, Jerome Robbins' Glass Pieces, and Peter Martins' Hallelujah Junction. It also includes original interviews with stars of the ballet and music world, including Peter Martins, Valery Gergiev, Darci Kistler, Wendy Whelan and former principal dancer, Jock Soto.
This is a rare and sometimes emotional film experience, which includes special moments and personal revelations that this visit held for the dancers of New York City Ballet and for the Russian public that hosted them.
Bringing Balanchine Back will be immediately followed by I Love You/Jeg Dig Elkser. Here again NYCB Principal Dancer Nikolaj Hübbe collaborates with fellow Dane Ulrik Wivel to bring fresh insights to the mime and dramatic significance of Bournonville's 19th century ballet classic La Sylphide, as Hübbe works with dancers from the Royal Danish Ballet.
Seating is limited. For complete details and to order tickets go to
www.filmlinc.com/wrt/onsale/balanchine.html.