In 1909, Serge Diaghilev formed the Ballet Russes from a selection of Russian refugees living in Paris. When he died, two Ballet Russes companies were formed in his wake, both laying claim to the name and to the loyalties of dancers and audiences.
This 50 year battle for dance supremacy is the subject of BALLET RUSSES and its stars are the pioneering group of dancers - all over 70 - who turned ballet into an art form.
Their influence was widespread, touring the United States, South America, Europe and Australia, which directly helped inspire the development of the Australian Ballet.
The candid interviews with the surviving dancers are cut with extensive 16 mm footage and archival stills and the film finishes with the Ballet Russes Reunion, which took place in New Orleans in 2000.
Documentaries about the performing arts frequently suffer accusations of pretentiousness, but there\'s no way Ballet Russes could be accused of this.
Goldfine and Geller tell a wonderful story, unraveling it like historical detectives, blending politics, intrigue, old showbiz gossip and above all elegance.
The surviving dancers are incredible talent too and such an inspiration. Their unique personalities, fascinating recollections and endless vitality are what drive the film.
Equally compelling is the archival footage, often grainy, sometimes difficult to see, but still enlightening. Just to see these dancers in their prime as well as seeing sets and costumes designed by Salvador Dali or Matisse, feels like a privilege.
