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| Famous Ballet Performances on DVD Video Learn sports, exercise and fitness workouts, dancing with DVD instruction videos |
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True Prince: Vladimir Malakhov - A Portrait of the Dancer ~ Vladimir Malakhov (DVD - 2003) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video True Prince: Vladimir Malakhov - A Portrait of the Dancer ~ Vladimir Malakhov (DVD - 2003) ++++ True Prince: Vladimir Malakhov - A Portrait of the Dancer ~ Vladimir Malakhov (DVD - 2003) |
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Tchaikovsky: The Sleeping Beauty - Ballet del Teatro Municipal ~ Fernando Bujones, Maryse Egasse, Berthica Prieto, and Elba Rey (DVD - 2006) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video Fernando Bujones, principal dancer of the American Ballet Theatre, performs the much beloved Sleeping Beauty as the guest artist of the Ballet del Teatro Municipal. The program was recorded during a live performance March 29th, 1982, at the 125th anniversary performance of the magnificent Teatro Municipal in Santiago, Chile. The company of 60 dancers, under the Artistic Direction of Mr. Ivan Nagy, is an impressive classical company of outstanding artistic level. The beautiful sets and costumes were designed by Carlos Carvalho, one of the best contemporary designers. This production recreates as faithfully as possible the version staged by Nicholas Sergeyev for London’s Sadler’s Wells Theatre, premiered in 1939 by Margot Fonteyn and Robert Helpman. This DVD presentation was recorded in 1982 and is an exclusive presentation of Kultur in association with International Performing Artists, Inc. ++++ Tchaikovsky: The Sleeping Beauty - Ballet del Teatro Municipal ~ Fernando Bujones, Maryse Egasse, Berthica Prieto, and Elba Rey (DVD - 2006) |
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Tchaikovsky - The Nutcracker / Barenboim, Deutsche Staatsoper Berlin ~ Viara Natcheva, Barbara Schroeder (II), and Torsten Händler (DVD - 2001) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video Exactly 107 years to the day after the first performance in St. Petersburg, Patrice Bart's choreography of Tchaikovsky's worldwide success was premiered at the Staatsoper Unter den Linden in Berlin, 1999. A completely new perspective was offered of the Christmas piece, but without robbing the audience of any of the fantastic excitement which has enthralled past generations of theatergoers: the festive atmosphere of Christmas Eve and the fairy tale world of the second act with its colorful succession of dances remained intact. In his choreography and production, Patrice Bart, who had produced Tchaikovsky's ballet at the Berlin Staatsoper with great success in 1997, threw new light on the well-known story of the little girl Marie who is invited by her godfather Drosselmeyer on a journey into the realm of the Sugar-Plum Fairy on Christmas Eve. The new version traced, enigmatically yet carefully, the characters of the protagonists and their motivations. Patrice Bart place a prologue before the ballet whose purpose was to clarify the story in which Marie was abducted as a young child. Russian revolutionaries had attacked Marie and her aristocratic family and killer her father. The mother survived but went missing, leaving the traumatized little girl to believe that she lives in an imaginary land of ice and snow. She was adopted by the Stahlbaum family, but there she does not feel happy and so does not get on with her siblings Fritz and Luise. She is not a "normal" child, playing with toys carefree and happy on Christmas Eve; the trauma will not leave her. This is where the wondrous figure of Drosselmeyer comes into the story. Drosselmeyer knows of Marie's history. He intends to lead her back to her mother, so he brings the Nutcracker to life and reconciles Marie with her past. In Patrice Bart's version, the Nutcracker is not a Christmas present from Drosselmeyer but a toy which she has always carried with her since before the abduction. The wooden puppet, whose uniform awakens memories of her father, is the catalyst for Marie's renewed confrontation with the gruesome event in the dream - therapeutically speaking it is the first step towards becoming aware, towards healing. Drosselmeyer leads Marie back to her mother in her land of ice and snow, which in the end reveals itself as a land of ice and snow, which in the end reveals itself as a land of love: the Nutcracker changes into a Prince. The visible and the hidden, reality and dream, through power of imagination and love - all of these are picked out as central themes and brilliantly interpreted in the dance. In spit of the psychological reappraisal of the fairy tale, the basic foundation and the well-know framework story remain intact: the fairy tale Christmas in its glittering, sparkling splendor, transformed into an unforgettable evening of theatre by the magical music of Piotr Il'ych Tchaikovsky. ++++ Tchaikovsky - The Nutcracker / Barenboim, Deutsche Staatsoper Berlin ~ Viara Natcheva, Barbara Schroeder (II), and Torsten Händler (DVD - 2001) |
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Rameau - Les Indes Galantes / Petibon, Croft, Hartelius, Agnew, Rivenq, Berg, Strehl, Christie, Les Arts Florissants, Paris Opera ~ Richard Croft, Patricia Petibon, Danielle de Niese, and Paul Agnew (DVD - 2005) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video Jean-Philippe Rameau would be proud of how his work shines on this DVD by Les Arts Florissants, Paris Opera. Les Indes Galantes was popular after its 1735 premier, and one can see why while watching this widescreen version. Here you have the best seat in the house and a chance to see creative costuming that adds great beauty to what is already beautiful dance. If there are tears in your eyes by the final curtain, they will be tears of joy. I love William Christie and this magnificent cast. Not only do they sing, dance and act well, but they also seem to have fun doing it. The joy of doing this work is apparent after the final curtain, when Christie strikes up the orchestra from the stage. The singers and dancers recapitulate a bit of the last entr'ee with Christie joining in the joyous dance. Christie's love of doing the dance is contagious. Their pleasure and that of the audience was complete. The house erupted after this encore. ++++ Rameau - Les Indes Galantes / Petibon, Croft, Hartelius, Agnew, Rivenq, Berg, Strehl, Christie, Les Arts Florissants, Paris Opera ~ Richard Croft, Patricia Petibon, Danielle de Niese, and Paul Agnew (DVD - 2005) |
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Tchaikovsky - Mazeppa / Putilin, Aleksashkin, Diadkova, Loskutova, Lutsiuk, Gergiev, Kirov Opera ~ Kirov Ballet, Kirov Opera, Nikolai Putilin, and Sergei Aleksashkin (DVD - 2004) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video MAZEPPA by Pyotr ILyich Tchaikovsky now out on DVD is a real find and treat. This 1996 performance by the Kirov Opera at the Marinsky Theater is a near perfect production in the traditional mode. The singing is excellent and the score begs for more then one hearing. I watched it twice the same day when my DVD copy arrived in the mail. I've also already purchased my ticket to see the Metropolitan Opera production of this seldom performed work during its 2005-06 season. Conductor Valery Gergiev once again proves his command of Russian opera and he keeps the proceedings moving swiftly without a baton in his hand. His orchestra is first rate ++++ Tchaikovsky - Mazeppa / Putilin, Aleksashkin, Diadkova, Loskutova, Lutsiuk, Gergiev, Kirov Opera ~ Kirov Ballet, Kirov Opera, Nikolai Putilin, and Sergei Aleksashkin (DVD - 2004) |
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Prokofiev Lieutenant Kijé Stravinsky Le Baiser de la Fée Prokofiev, Stravinsky, Struchkova, and Vasiliev (DVD - 2007) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video Prokofiev Lieutenant Kijé Stravinsky Le Baiser de la Fée Prokofiev, Stravinsky, Struchkova, and Vasiliev (DVD - 2007) ++++ Prokofiev Lieutenant Kijé Stravinsky Le Baiser de la Fée Prokofiev, Stravinsky, Struchkova, and Vasiliev (DVD - 2007) |
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Prokofiev - The Stone Flower (DVD - 2007) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video The Stone Flower is the superb performance of the incomparable husband/wife team of Maximova and Vasiliev ++++ Prokofiev - The Stone Flower (DVD - 2007) |
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Dancing in the Light: Six Dance Compositions By African American Choreographers / Asadata Dafora, Katherine Dunham, Pearl Primus, Talley Beatty, Donald McKayle, Bill T. Jones ~ Dancing in the Light (DVD - 2007) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video The American Dance Festival presents Dancing in the Light, a one-hour modern dance television program showcasing 6 historic dance compositions by African American choreographers. All of the dances were originally recorded for the Emmy Award-winning series Free to Dance, a three-hour documentary that aired on PBS in 2001 as part of the Great Performances: Dance in America series. While Free to Dance uses select excerpts from the dances to inform its narrative within a historical context, Dancing in the Light features six dances in their entirety or in the case of one work, a complete section. AWASSA ASTRIGE/OSTRICH (1932) Choreography by Asadata Dafora. Performed by G. D. Harris, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company. BARRELHOUSE BLUES - excerpt (1938) Choreography by Katherine Dunham. Performed by Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble. STRANGE FRUIT (1943) Choreography by Pearl Primus. Performed by Dawn Marie Watson, Philadanco. MOURNER’S BENCH (1947) Choreography by Talley Beatty. Performed by Jerome Stigler, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company. RAINBOW ‘ROUND MY SHOULDER (1959) Choreography by Donald McKayle. Performed by Dayton Contemporary Dance Company. D-MAN IN THE WATERS - Section 1 (1989) Choreography by Bill T. Jones. Performed by Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company. ++++ Dancing in the Light: Six Dance Compositions By African American Choreographers / Asadata Dafora, Katherine Dunham, Pearl Primus, Talley Beatty, Donald McKayle, Bill T. Jones ~ Dancing in the Light (DVD - 2007) |
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Tchaikovsky - Natalia Makarova's Swan Lake / Hart, Schaufuss, London Festival Ballet ~ Evelyn Hart, Martin James, Martin Johnson (VIII), and Elizabeth Anderton (DVD - 2000) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video Evelyn Hart and Peter Schaufuss dance the leading roles in this studio recording of Natalia Makarova's acclaimed production of the much-loved ballet classic. Her innovative interpretation presents the piece as a tale of ideal and eternal love, paring it down to Siegfried and Odette's love for one another. It is lean and fast-paced, with Gunther Schneider-Siemssen's settings employing back projections instead of scenery for changes of locale and mood. All of these elements infuse the entire production with an atmosphere of magic and mystery. ++++ Tchaikovsky - Natalia Makarova's Swan Lake / Hart, Schaufuss, London Festival Ballet ~ Evelyn Hart, Martin James, Martin Johnson (VIII), and Elizabeth Anderton (DVD - 2000) |
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A Tribute to Alvin Ailey ~ Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (DVD - 2000) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video Legendary choreographer Alvin Ailey is the subject of this well-balanced Tribute. Three of the four dances--"For Bird with Love", "Witness," and "Memoria"--are Ailey's, and the program concludes with Ulysses Dove's "Episodes." Each is eloquently introduced by Judith Jamison, and each demonstrates the joyous, affectionate atmosphere that Ailey's work always seemed to generate. "For Bird with Love," a dance interpretation of the life of seminal jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker, is probably the best-known and best-loved of the items presented here. Ailey always relied on an element of rather camp Broadway glitz to carry his ideas beyond the hardcore audience for modern dance, and much of the work presented here is closer to Cats than to Cunningham. Overall, though, these dances are superbly structured, graceful edifices that transcend their showbiz influences, and there are few examples of the craft that are so extrovertly welcoming to the viewer. ++++ A Tribute to Alvin Ailey ~ Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (DVD - 2000) |
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Petipa - Le Corsaire / Ethan Stiefel, Angel Corella, Vladimir Malakhov, American Ballet Theater ~ Julie Kent, Joaquin de Luz, Paloma Herrera, and Christine Dunham (DVD - 2000) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video Le Corsaire is the perfect vehicle for the world-renowned virtuosity of the American Ballet Theatre. The acclaimed cast masterfully weaves their way through pirates, shipwrecks, abductions, treachery and true love. Dazzling choreography is intertwined with colorful costumes, exotic scenery and special effects that add life to the non-stop action. It's entertainment, pure and simple. Julie Kent, Angel Corella, Joaquin De Luz, Paloma Herrera, Vladimir Malakhov, Ethan Stiefel. 113 minutes. ++++ Petipa - Le Corsaire / Ethan Stiefel, Angel Corella, Vladimir Malakhov, American Ballet Theater ~ Julie Kent, Joaquin de Luz, Paloma Herrera, and Christine Dunham (DVD - 2000) |
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Spoerli/Bach: Cello Suites, In Den Winden Im Nichts ~ Bach, Zurich Ballet, and Herrmann (DVD - 2006) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video This abstract ballet is set to J. S. Bach's Suites No.2,3,&6 for unaccompanied cello(the cellist is Claudius Herrmann). The choreography, by Heinz Spoerli, is extremely challenging and interesting. It includes many adagios and grand and petite allegros, both solo and group dances, partnered and unpartnered, in accord with the music tempi. The dancing is mostly classical in style, the women dance on pointe, the men in the usual ballet slippers. Spoerli's style is very lyrical and smooth, demonstrating the limits of each of the dancers abilities. The costumes are mostly simple, but attractive leotards. There is essentially only a black background most of the time, with a simple hoop in the back of the space. The hoop gives of colored vapors at times. The floor is lit with very bright and colorful lights with some simple textures. The image(widescreen) and sound(Dolby digital 5.1) are perfect. As a special feature, there is a 22 minute interview with Heinz Spoerli, explaining his thoughts on the work, including clips from the ballet to illustrate his points. There is also included a 32 page booklet in French, English, and German, with lots of colorful photos. This is highly recommended for lovers of modern ballet and dance. ++++ Spoerli/Bach: Cello Suites, In Den Winden Im Nichts ~ Bach, Zurich Ballet, and Herrmann (DVD - 2006) |
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Points in Space - Merce Cunningham Dance Company / Merce Cunningham, John Cage, Elliot Caplan ~ Helen Barrow, Merce Cunningham, Victoria Finlayson, and Alan Good (DVD - 2007) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video This is the critically acclaimed collaboration for the screen by choreographer Merce Cunningham, composer John Cage, and filmmaker Elliot Caplan. The first half features BBC’s documentary: interviews with Cunningham, Cage and members of the company, as well as scenes from rehearsals in New York and London take the viewer through the complexities – and exhilaration – of bringing new dance to television. The second half features Points in Space performed by Cunningham and the Merce Cunningham Dance Company. Alister Macauley, writing for the London/Manchester Guardian asks, "Has anyone commanded perspective more beautifully on the small screen?" ++++ Points in Space - Merce Cunningham Dance Company / Merce Cunningham, John Cage, Elliot Caplan ~ Helen Barrow, Merce Cunningham, Victoria Finlayson, and Alan Good (DVD - 2007) |
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The Magic of Russian Ballet / The Nutcracker, Return of the Firebird, Petrushka, Scheherazade, Essential Ballet, Kirov Ballet ~ Larissa Lezhnina, et al. (DVD - 2004) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video The Magic of Russian Ballet / The Nutcracker, Return of the Firebird, Petrushka, Scheherazade, Essential Ballet, Kirov Ballet ~ Larissa Lezhnina, et al. (DVD - 2004) ++++ The Magic of Russian Ballet / The Nutcracker, Return of the Firebird, Petrushka, Scheherazade, Essential Ballet, Kirov Ballet ~ Larissa Lezhnina, et al. (DVD - 2004) |
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Documentary: Romeo & Juliet ~ Prokofiev, Nureyev, Maurin, and Legris (DVD - 2003) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video Nureyev's choreography for Romeo and Juliet was created for the London Festival Ballet in 1977, and in 1984, shortly after he had taken over as director of the ballet of the Paris Opera, he produced this large-scale and gloriously colorful fresco for the company of the Paris Opera. His version, which takes into account all parts of the score, follows Shakespeare's original very closely, and it is said that he read and studied the text again and again. The numerous crowd scenes, folk dances and fencing scenes, which are danced with extraordinary vitality, are proof of Nureyev's outstanding talent as a dancer and choreographer. ++++ Documentary: Romeo & Juliet ~ Prokofiev, Nureyev, Maurin, and Legris (DVD - 2003) |
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Pique Dame ~ Tchaikovsky, Bolshoi Ballet, and Andropov (DVD - 2006) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video "Pique Dame", a ballet based on a story by Pushkin(the writer, not the ballet dancer), which is extremely allegorical; basically the idea is that a gambler, Hermann(danced by Nikolay Tsiskaridze), wants the Countess(danced by Ilze Liepa) to tell him the future outcomes of some game of chance involving playing cards(that should give you a clue as to what concept the Countess represents). She does not want to tell him and he has to force her. She gives him a few good calls but he gets greedy and it does not end well for him. Does this plot sound a bit thin to you?(We are told in the interviews that this story is quite different from that of the opera of the same name.) Some Pushkin fans might really love this story, but it leaves me a bit wanting, but ballet stories often do, and fortunately we have the great choreography to hold our attention. As for the choreography, it is mostly classical ballet, but the part of the Countess has a very modern edge--her part is not even on pointe, but it is extremely expressive and interesting. The part of Hermann is very classical, and, not suprisingly, it pushes the envelope of possibilities. The music is about as good as it gets: Tchaikovsky's Sixth Symphony(Pathetique), which does a great job in stirring the souls of the Bolshoi dancers. In the second ballet, "Passacaglia", we don't have to worry about the story because there is none--it is an abstract ballet. The choreography is completely classical and the women dance on pointe with plenty of solos and pas de deux. It is quite gorgeous! The only problem some of you might have is with the music-- the Passacaglia by Anton Webern(Igor Stravinsky's favorite composer!). When Webern was starting out in the business, he actually wrote romantic music, somewhat like Tchaikovsky, but he soon realized the error of his ways and became a student of Arnold Schoenberg and became a proponent of the twelve tone system. His music is among the most difficult for the average listener to understand and appreciate. It takes many hours of dedicated listening(and some studying doesn't hurt!) to realize the beauty of his music. Fortunately, "Passacaglia" was one of the first twelve tone pieces he wrote and it still possesses a lyrical, romantic tinge. If you are willing to endure this music, you will find it rewarding in the end. ++++ Pique Dame ~ Tchaikovsky, Bolshoi Ballet, and Andropov (DVD - 2006) |
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Tchaikovsky - Casse Noisette Circus / Jean-Christophe Maillot, Ballet de Monte Carlo (Nutcracker) ~ Tchaikovsky DVD - 2006 Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video Music By Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Choreographer Jean-Christopher Maillot. Music performed by the Philharmonic Orchestra of Monte-Carlo conducted by David Garforth. Additional Music by Bertrand Maillot.Soloists: Nathalie Léger Marie. Francesco Nappa Fritz. Paola Cantalupo The Mother. Nicholas Kahn The Father. Gaëtan Morlotti Drossel. Bernice Coppieters Meier. Chris Roelandt The Charming Prince. Pascal Molat The Nutcracker ++++ Tchaikovsky - Casse Noisette Circus / Jean-Christophe Maillot, Ballet de Monte Carlo (Nutcracker) ~ Tchaikovsky DVD - 2006 |
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Bizet/Shchedrin - Carmen / Cullberg Ballet (Mats Ek) ~ Ana Laguna, Yvan Auzely, and Marc Hwang (DVD - 2002) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video With the hot glow of her cigar, the piercing intensity of her gaze, and her unabashed sexuality, Carmen radiates defiance. She's a woman who knows what she wants and is ruthless in pursuing it. She takes and discards lovers as she pleases. Mats Ek's International Emmy Award-winning version of the fiery tale of passion and murderous jealousy is an exciting, suspenseful mix of bravura dancing and inventive, powerful storytelling. Set to Rodion Shchedrin's "Carmen Suite," the Russian composer's arrangement of Bizet's perenially popular opera music, this stylish production features award-winning dancer Ana Laguna as a mesmerizing and irresistible Carmen, with Yvan Auzely and Marc Hwang as her rival lovers: macho bullfighter Escamillo and romantic young soldier Jose. ++++ Bizet/Shchedrin - Carmen / Cullberg Ballet (Mats Ek) ~ Ana Laguna, Yvan Auzely, and Marc Hwang (DVD - 2002) |
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Richard Strauss - Josephs Legende (The Legend of Joseph) ~ Judith Jamison, Kevin Haigen, Franz Musil, and Heinrich Hollreiser (DVD - 2007) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video Richard Strauss - Josephs Legende (The Legend of Joseph) ~ Judith Jamison, Kevin Haigen, Franz Musil, and Heinrich Hollreiser (DVD - 2007) ++++ Richard Strauss - Josephs Legende (The Legend of Joseph) ~ Judith Jamison, Kevin Haigen, Franz Musil, and Heinrich Hollreiser (DVD - 2007) |
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Stravinsky - Pulcinella & Soldat / Richard Alston, Ashley Page, Christopher Carney, Amanda Britton, Rambert Dance Company ~ Stravinsky, Carney, Britton, and Wright (DVD - 2005) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video Igor Stravinsky’s Pulcinella, with Choreography by Richard Alston. Ballet with song in one act. The original version of PULCINELLA was choreographed by Massine with designs by Picasso in 1920. Like the original, Richard Alston's greatly-admired version of the complicated love-story has a Neapolitan setting and is based on traditional Commedia dell'Arte characters. "… costumes are simple and to the point…the set, designed here by Howard Hodgkin, creates a colourful backdrop, which enhances without complicating, and the dancers are suitably lithe and athletic" THE INDEPENDENT. Pulcinella: Christopher Carney, Pimpinella: Amanda Britton. Rambert Dance Company. Della Jones Soprano Julian Pike Tenor Martin Nelson Bass, with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Conductor Brian Wright. SOLDAT, a Ballet in one act with choreography by Ashley Page. British choreographer Ashley Page, used the suite from Stravinsky's L'Histoire du Soldat for his ballet, SOLDAT - the traditional folk tale of the soldier and the devil in a battle of wits for the soldier's soul. "A fluent and theatrically striking work" THE SUNDAY TIMES "An immediate pleasure comes from the unity between dance, music and design, which speak with the same clear voice" THE SUNDAY TIMES. The Devil: Gary Lambert, The Soldier: Glenn Wilkinson, The Princess: Amanda Britton. Rambert Dance Company with The Mercury Ensemble, Conductor Roger Heaton. ++++ Stravinsky - Pulcinella & Soldat / Richard Alston, Ashley Page, Christopher Carney, Amanda Britton, Rambert Dance Company ~ Stravinsky, Carney, Britton, and Wright (DVD - 2005) |
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Adam - Giselle / Karen Kain, Frank Augustyn, National Ballet of Canada ~ Karen Kain, et al. (DVD - 2004) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video DVD movie version of Giselle filmed by the CBC in Canada in the mid 70's. The cast is highlighted by National Ballet of Canada stars Karen Kain and Frank Augustyn: both in their prime. ++++ Adam - Giselle / Karen Kain, Frank Augustyn, National Ballet of Canada ~ Karen Kain, et al. (DVD - 2004) |
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Khachaturian - Spartacus / Vasiliev, Bessmertnova, Bolshoi Ballet ~ Maris Liepa, Natalya Bessmertnova, Vladimir Vasilyev, and Nina Timofeyeva (DVD - 2003) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video Khachaturian - Spartacus / Vasiliev, Bessmertnova, Bolshoi Ballet ~ Maris Liepa, Natalya Bessmertnova, Vladimir Vasilyev, and Nina Timofeyeva (DVD - 2003) ++++ Khachaturian - Spartacus / Vasiliev, Bessmertnova, Bolshoi Ballet ~ Maris Liepa, Natalya Bessmertnova, Vladimir Vasilyev, and Nina Timofeyeva (DVD - 2003) |
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Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake / Maya Plisetskaya, Nicolai Fadeyechev, Bolshoi Ballet ~ The Bolshoi Ballet, Nikolai Fadeyechev, and Maya Plisetskaya (DVD - 2003) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video DESCRIPTION ++++ Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake / Maya Plisetskaya, Nicolai Fadeyechev, Bolshoi Ballet ~ The Bolshoi Ballet, Nikolai Fadeyechev, and Maya Plisetskaya (DVD - 2003) |
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Sacred Stage: The Mariinsky Theater ~ Valery Gergiev (DVD - 2005) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video Narrated by RICHARD THOMAS,the Mariinsky Theater(also known as the Kirov) of St.Petersburg has somehow maintained it's artistic excellence through War,revolution, and the collapse of Communism.Features stunning clips from opera and ballet,as well as candid interviews with luminaries, such as Placido Domingo. ++++ Sacred Stage: The Mariinsky Theater ~ Valery Gergiev (DVD - 2005) |
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Anyuta: A Ballet ~ Ekaterina Maximova, Vladimir Vasilyev, Gali Abaydulov, and Marat Daukaev (DVD - 2007) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video Vladimir Vasiliev is not only one the all-time greatest Russian dancers, the former Bolshoi star has also proven a choreographer of real distinction. VAI re-releases his two-act ballet "Anyuta" as it was initially created in 1982 as a dance film with his wife Ekaterina Maximova in the title role. Adapted for the stage four years later, it remains one of his most complete and convincing works. Based upon Anton Chekhov's short story "Anna on the neck", satirizing life in a small provincial town, Anyuta concerns a woman who after marrying upon the social ladder discovers the power of beauty and sexual attraction, yet at the expense of all those dear to her. Set to an irresistible melodious score by Valery Gavrilin, Vasiliev's choreography, even if firmly rooted in the classical idiom and reviving the tradition of Russian literary ballets, is contemporary and adroitely portrays the characters, blending sentiment with the element of grotesque. Ekaterina Maximova is magnificent as Anyuta, conveying a breathtaking range of emotions while Vladimir Vasiliev himself, cast against type as her hapless drinking father, gives one of his most subtle and moving portrayals. Supporting roles include Gali Abaidulov as Anyuta's wealthy and powerful, but stingy and boring bureaucrat-husband, John Markovsky as the rich and spoiled Don Juan Artynov, and Marat Daukaev as the student (a character introduced by Vasiliev) whom Anyuta is genuinely in love with. ++++ Anyuta: A Ballet ~ Ekaterina Maximova, Vladimir Vasilyev, Gali Abaydulov, and Marat Daukaev (DVD - 2007) |
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Kenneth's MacMillan's Mayerling / Mukhamedov, Durante, Collier, Royal Ballet ~ Irek Mukhamedov, et al. (DVD - 2002) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video The intensely beautiful ballet that tells the story of the forbidden love and tragic deaths of Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria-Hungry and his young mistress, Mary Vetsera. The Royal Ballet performs with Irek Mukhamedov, Viviana Durante, Lesley Collier, and Darcey Bussell in this 1994 production. Choreographed by Kenneth MacMillan, music by Franz Liszt. The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House is conducted by Barry Wordsworth. ++++ Kenneth's MacMillan's Mayerling / Mukhamedov, Durante, Collier, Royal Ballet ~ Irek Mukhamedov, et al. (DVD - 2002) |
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Nureyev: Dancing Through Darkness ~ Dancing Through Darkness (DVD - 2004) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video This program tells the compelling and hitherto untold story of Nureyev's last years. It is a documentry about one man's creative vision, a genius trapped in a dying body. Above all, it shows one man's desperate struggle to transcend the confines of mortality, doing what he loved most - dancing. ++++ Nureyev: Dancing Through Darkness ~ Dancing Through Darkness (DVD - 2004) |
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riel Yared - Clavigo / Le Riche, Osta, Gillot, Bridard, Saiz, Petit, Bernas, Paris Ballet ~ Yann Saiz, Nicolas Le Riche, Clairemarie Osta, and Yann Bridard (DVD - 2004) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video Inspired by Goethe’s early romantic play Clavigo, Roland Petit’s ballet recounts the agonies of a weak-willed lover torn between the contradictory promptings of his heart and his evil spirit, which urges him to serve his own interests and forsake true love in favor of a life of debauchery. The title role was created by Nicolas Le Riche, one of the foremost dancers of today. Petit’s outstanding choreography is inventive, with powerful images, such as Clavigo’s spider-like descent on a wire. The superb and passionate dancing is set off by the structured stage design in grey, black or white panels and the beautiful late-18th-century-style pastel costumes, creating a feast for the eyes. ++++ riel Yared - Clavigo / Le Riche, Osta, Gillot, Bridard, Saiz, Petit, Bernas, Paris Ballet ~ Yann Saiz, Nicolas Le Riche, Clairemarie Osta, and Yann Bridard (DVD - 2004) |
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Faroukh Ruzimatov: Everything Is Fine/Good Mood ~ Faroukh Ruzimatov, et al. (DVD - 2007) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video This DVD features two Russian documentaries from 1991. The great Kirov dancer, Faroukh Ruzimatov, is featured in both along with his fellow men and women dancers, dancing to the music of Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, as well as the Leningrad Jazz Ensemble and others. The first film includes interviews with the participants, primarily Faroukh, and also performances by the Leningrad Jazz Ensemble. We are also shown a segment from Faroukh's performance of the Don Quixote ballet. The second film is essentially all dancing. The choreography for both films is by Nikolai Tagunov and all aspects of classical ballet technique are utilized, including pointework and partnering. ++++ Faroukh Ruzimatov: Everything Is Fine/Good Mood ~ Faroukh Ruzimatov, et al. (DVD - 2007) |
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Dancer's Dream: The Great Ballets of Rudolf Nureyev - La Bayadere ~ Isabelle Guerin, Laurent Hilaire, and Elisabeth Platel (DVD - 2004) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video This is another dvd in the "Dancer's Dream" series of ballet documentaries put out by the Paris Opera Ballet. Since France is the origin of ballet, this series is of great value to all students of ballet, both dancers and academicians. If you also want to see the actual stage performance of this same ballet, it is also available(performed by the Paris Opera Ballet and available through Amazon.com). ("Romeo and Juliet" is another one in this series where both the documentary and the performance dvd's are available.) One star in this dvd not mentioned in the credits is the great ballerina Ghislaine Thesmar. She coaches the principal dancers in this performance and there is a lot of time devoted to her coaching here. It is a great window into the mind of this great ballerina. It is also wonderful to see how she coaches with such sensitivity and caring. This is a first class production, as are the others in this series! ++++ Dancer's Dream: The Great Ballets of Rudolf Nureyev - La Bayadere ~ Isabelle Guerin, Laurent Hilaire, and Elisabeth Platel (DVD - 2004) |
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The Perfect Partnership - Fonteyn and Nureyev ~ Margot Fonteyn, Robert Powell, and Rudolf Nureyev (DVD - 2005) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video Margot Fonteyn & Rudolf Nureyev.perhaps the greatest partnership in the history of ballet. For the first time, their most acclaimed performances, which have thrilled audiences worldwide, have been captured on one DVD. The program traces their partnership from its glorious inception in 1962 (in Giselle at Covent Garden), to its grand finale some 17 years later. It is unique in that it includes rare, behind-the-scenes footage of both dancers. This special tribute program has now become even more of a treasure due to the passing of both Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev. Their legendary partnership was recently hailed by the press as when ".ballet was never more gripping, never more transporting, that when her perfect pose met his ardent theatricality." Robert Powell narrates and ballet personalities such as dame Ninette de Valois, founder of The Royal Ballet, provide their thoughts and memories on the lives of Fonteyn, Nureyev and their association. The synergy of their partnership was electrifying, and their impact on the world of ballet remains unmatched. This collectors item is an intriguing visual biography of the greatest ballet partnership of all time. ++++ The Perfect Partnership - Fonteyn and Nureyev ~ Margot Fonteyn, Robert Powell, and Rudolf Nureyev (DVD - 2005) |
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Delibes: Coppelia - Ballet de San Juan ~ Fernando Bujones, Ana Maria Castanon, and Ballet de San Juan (DVD - 2006) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video Coppelia is a love story in three acts. This beloved ballet is regarded as dance’s great comedy with music by Delibes. Based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s Der Sandmann, the ballet combines the romance between Swanilda and Franz with the story of the dollmaker, Coppelius, whose greatest desire is to create a doll with a soul. Franz promptly falls in love with Coppelia, whom he thinks alive, but eventually recognizes that she is just a doll and returns to Swanilda, after which the final grand divertissements sees everyone reconciled. With its touch of East European folklore, the ballet continues to enjoy undiminished world-wide popularity…and is one of the most delightful and best known ballets. Fernando Bujones, one of the most acclaimed male dancers of our time, gives an extraordinary performance as Franz, the young lover. Praise for Mr. Bujones’ performance has been abundant and superlative: "His jumps are clean, his line impeccable…not merely exhibiting tricks…but dancing with heroic grace." –Clive Barnes. "The outstanding male talent of the new generation of American Ballet."– Arlene Croce. "There is no question that he has emerged as America’s greatest native born classical dancer." – John Gruen. Principal Artists: Franz – Fernando Bujones, Swanilda –Ana Maria Castanon.This DVD presentation was recorded in 1980 in Puerto Rico with the Ballet de San Juan and is an exclusive presentation of Kultur in association with Bujones Ltd. ++++ Delibes: Coppelia - Ballet de San Juan ~ Fernando Bujones, Ana Maria Castanon, and Ballet de San Juan (DVD - 2006) |
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Alicia Alonso: Prima Ballerina Assoluta ~ Alicia Alonso (DVD - 2005) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video Scenes from Swan Lake, Romeo & Juliet, Gisele, Carmen Suite, others with the Ballet National de Cuba and National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba/Cuzàn. Bonuses from Bell Telephone Hour & CBC telecasts 1958 – 1985 performances, 82 min ++++ Alicia Alonso: Prima Ballerina Assoluta ~ Alicia Alonso (DVD - 2005) |
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New Year's Concert 2006 / Mariss Jansons, Wiener Philharmoniker, Wiener Staatsopern Ballet ~ Vienna Philharmonic, Johann Josef Strauss, and Mozart Figaro Overture (DVD - 2006) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video New Year's Concert 2006 / Mariss Jansons, Wiener Philharmoniker, Wiener Staatsopern Ballet ~ Vienna Philharmonic, Johann Josef Strauss, and Mozart Figaro Overture (DVD - 2006) ++++ New Year's Concert 2006 / Mariss Jansons, Wiener Philharmoniker, Wiener Staatsopern Ballet ~ Vienna Philharmonic, Johann Josef Strauss, and Mozart Figaro Overture (DVD - 2006) |
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Nutcracker Sweeties/The Judas Tree ~ Various Artists (DVD - 2006) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video Nutcracker Sweeties is Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington’s big band attack on Tchaikovsky. It portrays Broadway and America in the 1940s; full of humor, irony, commentary, swing and blues. The cast, dressed in an array of glamorous Jasper Conran costumes, includes pom-pom girls, drum majorettes, sailors, GIs and Candy Kane. David Bintley’s choreography is a catwalk of jazz styles. With its glamour-puss clothes and flashing neon set, Nutcracker Sweeties is imaginative, funny and visually irresistible. Conducted by Paul Murphy, Set Design Peter J Davison, Costume Design Jasper Conran, Directed by Peter Mumford, Choreography by David Bintley. THE JUDAS TREE. Kenneth MacMillan choreographed his last ballet, The Judas Tree, especially for Irek Mukhamedov who takes the lead in this striking production. On a building site in dockland wastes, thirteen workmen, led by their Foreman, react to the vampish behaviour of a woman who has arrived in their midst. In the heated confusion of the group, one man stands alone in the tenderness of his response. Gradually the dark underside of mael sexuality and the power of peer pressure is exposed as the ballet sucks us into a web of betrayal, loss and terror. Winner of the 1992 Olivier Award for Best New Dance Work. Conducted by Barry Wordsworth. Staged by Monica Parker ++++ Nutcracker Sweeties/The Judas Tree ~ Various Artists (DVD - 2006) |
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Adam - Giselle / Malakhov, Vasileva, Kremlin State Theatre Ballet Academy ~ Vladimir Malakhov (DVD - 2004) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video Adam - Giselle / Malakhov, Vasileva, Kremlin State Theatre Ballet Academy ~ Vladimir Malakhov, et al. (DVD - 2004) ++++ Adam - Giselle / Malakhov, Vasileva, Kremlin State Theatre Ballet Academy ~ Vladimir Malakhov (DVD - 2004) |
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Glazunov - Raymonda / Bolshoi Ballet, Ludmila Semenyaka, Irek Moukhamedov ~ Irek Mukhamedov, et al. (DVD - 2004) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video This glorious three-act ballet boasts a magical score by Alexander Glazunov, filled with melody, color and grand effects. Ludmilla Semenyaka is magnificent as the youthfully charming Raymonda and her gallant knight, Jean de Brienne, is superbly portrayed by Irek Moukhamedov. This is a beautiful story of a young couple separated by Jean’s commitment to aid King Andrei II on a campaign. In the midst of all of this, another would-be suitor, a Saracen knight, Abderakhman (played by Gedeminas Taranda) makes a bid for the hand of Raymonda. When she rejects him, he threatens to abduct her. Jean returns just in time to settle this problem in a proper duel. Abderakhman is handily defeated, and Raymonda and Jean are married at the court of King Andrei. ++++ Glazunov - Raymonda / Bolshoi Ballet, Ludmila Semenyaka, Irek Moukhamedov ~ Irek Mukhamedov, et al. (DVD - 2004) |
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Prokofiev - Romeo and Juliet / Bessmertnova, Mukhamedov, Sharkov, Vetrov, Zhuraitis, Bolshoi ~ Natalia Bessmertnova, Irek Mukhamedov, and Bolshoi Opera Ballet (DVD - 2004) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video Why should anybody buy another Romeo and Juliet DVD? The reason: The Bolshoi at the Bolshoi. The outstanding choreography of Yuri Grigorovich focuses mainly on the emotions and the passion of the star-crossed lovers. The intriguing interpretation of this classic ballet provides the perfect setting to showcase for the magnificent Natalya Bessmertnova. As one of Russia’s legendary soloists, the prima ballerina is an enchanting Juliet. Furthermore, Aleksandr Vetrov has to be pointed out for his very impressive and convincing performance as Tybalt. ++++ Prokofiev - Romeo and Juliet / Bessmertnova, Mukhamedov, Sharkov, Vetrov, Zhuraitis, Bolshoi ~ Natalia Bessmertnova, Irek Mukhamedov, and Bolshoi Opera Ballet (DVD - 2004) |
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Jean-Christophe Maillot - Romeo et Juliette / St. Petersburg Kirov Orchestra ~ Prokofiev (DVD - 2006) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video Music performed by the St. Petersburg Kirov Orchestra, conducted by Valery Gergiev. Film Director: Yann Coatsaliou. Costumes: Jérôme Kaplan. Sets: Ernest Pignon-Ernest. Lighting: Dominique Drillot. Soloists:Bernice Coppieters Juliet. Chris Roelandt Romeo. Paola Cantalupo Lady Capulet. Asier Uriagereka Tybalt. Maurizio Drudi Mercutio. Gaëtan Morlotti Friar Laurence. Gregory Delteure /Julien Bancillon The Two Acolytes. Ljiljana Peric The Nurse. Rodolphe Lucas Benvolio. Aurélia Schaefer Rosalind. Jérôme Marchand Paris. A production of Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo. ++++ Jean-Christophe Maillot - Romeo et Juliette / St. Petersburg Kirov Orchestra ~ Prokofiev (DVD - 2006) |
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Swan Lake ~ Tchaikovsky, Korneev, Beresina, and Burak (DVD - 2006) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video Swan Lake ~ Tchaikovsky, Korneev, Beresina, and Burak (DVD - 2006) ++++ Swan Lake ~ Tchaikovsky, Korneev, Beresina, and Burak (DVD - 2006) |
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Dance Theatre of Harlem - Fall River Legend ~ Dance Theatre of Harlem (DVD - 2002) Great Dance Performance 
Famous Ballets on DVD Video Acclaimed worldwide for the warmth, vitality, and versatility of its style, the Dance Theatre of Harlem is America's leading classical ballet company of black dancers. Arthur Mitchell introduces this studio recording of Agnes de Mille's "Fall River Legend," based on the story of Lizzie Borden. Accused in 1892 of the brutal killing of her father and stepmother in Fall River, Massachusetts, Borden experienced a dramatic life of love, sadness, and ultimately murder, rendered here in a dynamic, unforgettable dance performance. ++++ Dance Theatre of Harlem - Fall River Legend ~ Dance Theatre of Harlem (DVD - 2002) |
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