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BALLET Instruction on DVD. Instructional videos for toddler, child, adult, boy, girl, beginner, intermediate, advanced. | ||
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Balanchine - Jewels / Aurelie Dupont, Alessio Carbone, Marie-Agnes Gillot, Agnes Letestu, Jean-Guillaume Bart, Clairemarie Osta, Kader Belarbi, Paris Opera Ballet ~ Mathieu Ganio Laetitia Pujol and Eleonora Abbagnato, Emmanuel Thibault Nolwenn Daniel (DVD - 2006) *
++++ Balanchine's three-part, evening-long ballet, Jewels, is one of the jewels of his output. Created in 1967, Jewels revisits the central pillars of his glorious career. Thus, the first of the trio, Emeralds, to music by Fauré, is an homage to the French school of ballet; a Romantic episode in which soft-core lyricism comes to the fore. The second ballet, set to Stravinsky, Rubies, celebrates American dance virtues, filled with sexy Broadway and jazz references. Finally, Diamonds, with music from Tchaikovsky, takes us to Mr. B's roots in St. Petersburg with a dazzling tribute to Russian ballet tradition. Each of the works is pure Balanchine, full of the abstract stage patterns, novel arm and feet movements, and virtuoso fireworks typical of his style. Jewels is superb in this video taken from live 2005 performances of the National Opera Ballet in its home playing field, the jewel box of Paris' Palais Garnier. The French company excels in meeting Balanchine's demands. All the featured principals turn in breathtaking performances and the highlight may be the way they turn Diamonds, which often goes flat in performance, into a thrilling experience. ++++ Balanchine - Jewels / Aurelie Dupont, Alessio Carbone, Marie-Agnes Gillot, Agnes Letestu, Jean-Guillaume Bart, Clairemarie Osta, Kader Belarbi, Paris Opera Ballet ~ Mathieu Ganio Laetitia Pujol and Eleonora Abbagnato, Emmanuel Thibault Nolwenn Daniel (DVD - 2006) |
Ballet Boot Camp 2 ~ Jessica Sherwood (DVD - 2003) *
++++ A challenging and fun sequence of dancers' toning exercises followed by fluid dance patterns. Motivated by the classical orchestral soundtrack, you'll feel like you're an aspiring dancer in a "real" ballet training session. To help you focus, Jessica Sherwood breaks the toning into specific section(e.g. "balance," "abs," "center barre-work"). Then, she carefully - but quickly - demos each move one-on-one before moving into the full class workout. The ending cardio segment features a non-stop series of graceful, flowing ballet movements. Throughout, the terminology and attitude is pure ballet ("now we'll add a weight transfer..."). Music by Tchaikovsky, Beethoven and Bach. ++++ Ballet Boot Camp 2 ~ Jessica Sherwood (DVD - 2003) |
Yoga Booty Ballet 2-Disc Set: Light & Easy / Latin Flavor ~ Gillian Marloth, et al. (DVD - 2006) *
++++ Listed as the #1 workout celebrities do by SHAPE magazine, Yoga Booty Ballet is a dynamic fusion of dance, booty sculpting, and yoga that will make you feel strong, confident, and beautiful! Created by top fitness experts Gillian Marloth and Teigh McDonough, it’s so much fun, you won’t believe you’re also losing weight and sculpting long, lean muscles. Workouts include: Latin Flavor and Light & Easy. ++++ Yoga Booty Ballet 2-Disc Set: Light & Easy / Latin Flavor ~ Gillian Marloth, et al. (DVD - 2006) |
Tchaikovsky - The Nutcracker / Baryshnikov, Kirkland, Charmoli ~ Mikhail Baryshnikov, Gelsey Kirkland, Alexander Minz, and Nanette Glushak (DVD - 2004) *
++++ The American Ballet Theater version of the Tchaikovsky classic, a 1977 studio rendition directed by Tony Charmoli, has become a holiday perennial on PBS stations and home video. It's a favorite of parents who want to give their kids the gift of culture--and with good reason. There's a loose fairy tale plot to keep dance neophytes interested, and Boris Aronson's eye-candy production design is a series of lavish dioramas. From an imperial-era Russian Christmas party out of Tolstoy, a young girl named Clara (Gelsey Kirkland) is whisked in dreams to an imaginary world populated by the animated creations of the wizard toy maker Drosselmeier (Alexander Minz), who prances on his stick-thin limbs like a Dickens illustration come to life. The main attraction is, of course, Mikhail Baryshnikov, one of the greatest classical dancers of the century, at his absolute peak of athleticism and precision. An opening slow-motion montage diagrams his fabled smoothness of execution, elegant airborne trajectories that have a feather-light perfection. Music lovers who know only "The Nutcracker Suite" will relish the chance to hear this great score all the way through, conducted with lilt and vigor by Kenneth Schermerhorn. ++++ Tchaikovsky - The Nutcracker / Baryshnikov, Kirkland, Charmoli ~ Mikhail Baryshnikov, Gelsey Kirkland, Alexander Minz, and Nanette Glushak (DVD - 2004) |
Romeo and Juliet (Royal Ballet)- Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn ~ Margot Fonteyn, Rudolf Nureyev, David Blair (VI), and Desmond Doyle (DVD - 1999) *
++++ It's not a stretch to call Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn the most sublime of all dance partners and Sergei Prokofiev the most gifted 20th-century ballet composer. And so it goes without saying that the 1966 film version of the Royal Ballet production of Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet featuring Nureyev and Fonteyn as the star-crossed lovers is an absolute must-have for anyone who cares a whit about the art. Director Paul Czinner has made all the right moves, alternating between full shots of the performers with long shots that accentuate how Kenneth MacMillan's fastidious choreography is inexorably linked to the characters, their story, the elaborate sets, and the viewer. Nicholas Georgiadis's costumes are sumptuous without being overdone, the supporting dancers and ensemble are as exquisite as the leads, and John Lanchbery conducts the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House with just the right mixture of joviality and tragedy that Prokofiev's classic score needs but doesn't always receive. ++++ Romeo and Juliet (Royal Ballet)- Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn ~ Margot Fonteyn, Rudolf Nureyev, David Blair (VI), and Desmond Doyle (DVD - 1999) |
Yoga Booty Ballet 2 Discs: A.M. Latte/Goddess Abs ~ Yoga Booty Ballet: Masters Series (DVD - 2007) *
++++ Great way to wake up or energize during the day when feeling sluggish.. This is set with just Teigh & Gillian alone which I like best. Their great energy & body awareness isn't distracted by other student's energy that is usually lower and don't want to exercise as much. ++++ Yoga Booty Ballet 2 Discs: A.M. Latte/Goddess Abs ~ Yoga Booty Ballet: Masters Series (DVD - 2007) |
Visual Dictionary of Ballet For Children / Rosemary Boross ~ Rosemary Boross (DVD - 2005) *
++++ This 2 ½ hr. DVD contains a complete visual dictionary and class for the beginner ballet student. It is an invaluable training tool for the student just beginning ballet and reference guide that can be used for years to come. It includes the definitions of terminology, basic technique, movements and steps the beginner student will need to know. With detailed visual instruction on how to execute all of the movements, positions and steps. The class is performed at 2 levelsfor beginner and advanced beginner student. As the class is taught, the terminology of the movements and steps are recited to help familiarize and reinforce the use of terminology in the ballet class. This 2 ½ hr. DVD contains a complete visual dictionary and class for the beginner ballet student. It is an invaluable training tool for the student just beginning ballet and reference guide that can be used for years to come. It includes the definitions of terminology, basic technique, movements and steps the beginner student will need to know. With detailed visual instruction on how to execute all of the movements, positions and steps. The class is performed at 2 levelsfor beginner and advanced beginner student. As the class is taught, the terminology of the movements and steps are recited to help familiarize and reinforce the use of terminology in the ballet class. The Visual Dictionary of Ballet for Children is broken down into 4 chapters: Chapter 1 - The Dictionary of Ballet Technique ( Positions, of the arms feet and body, including the basic techniques of ballet). Chapter 2 - The Dictionary of Barre Work (Visual instruction on the execution of barre movement and steps). Chapter 3 - The Dictionary of Center Work (Visual instruction on the execution of steps done center floor). Chapter 4 - The Class ( Includes all of the steps movements and techniques from Chapters 1,2 and 3 assembled into a class) Program creator Rosemary Boross’ dance career includes performance with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet, Radio City Ballet, and the American Dance Machine. Visual demonstrations by Rosemary Boross’ students from The Ballet Pacifica Conservatory.Inspiring ballet class music by Rory Foster ++++ Visual Dictionary of Ballet For Children / Rosemary Boross ~ Rosemary Boross (DVD - 2005) |
George Balanchine's The Nutcracker ~ Darci Kistler, Damian Woetzel, Bart Robinson Cook, and Kyra Nichols (DVD - 1997) *
++++ Angels and sugarplums. Candy canes and ice. A magic prince, a dreamy young girl, a mysterious old man and a Christmas tree that grows sky high. Enter the world of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker, featuring the New York City Ballet, and let this all-new movie version of a timeless Yuletide fantasy, narrated ny Academy Award(R) winner Kevin Kline, draw you under its spell. Starring Macaulay Caulkin, Darci Kistler and Bart Robinson Cook. Year: 1993 Director: Emile Ardolino Starring: Bart Robinson Cook, Macaulay Caulkin, Darci Kistler, Damian Woetzel ++++ George Balanchine's The Nutcracker ~ Darci Kistler, Damian Woetzel, Bart Robinson Cook, and Kyra Nichols (DVD - 1997) |
Ballet Shoes ~ Angela Thorne, Barbara Lott, Jane Slaughter, and Elizabeth Morgan (DVD - 2000) *
++++ Ballet Shoes, the movie adaptation of Noel Streatfield's classic story, traces the travails of a refreshingly functional if hardly traditional English family. There's Sylvia, the financially strapped lady of the house; her three benevolent boarders; Nana, the housekeeper; and, most important, the three orphaned girls in Sylvia's charge. When the household pulls together to secure the penniless but loaded-with-potential girls (Paulina, Petrova, and Posy) a scholarship at a rigorous, no-wimps-allowed arts academy, the girls' natural proclivities fast emerge: Posy's a gifted dancer, Paulina's a precocious actress, and Petrova has a way with engines. All three share boundless ambition and, early on, vow "to get our names in the history books without the help of relatives." Close to two hours of triumphs, tough knocks, and tantrums follow; Petrova gets discouraged, Paulina gets too big for her britches, and Posy gets the rug pulled out from under her when her masterful teacher is hospitalized. Through it all, Sylvia, Nana, and the others unselfishly cheerlead, but then the girls' road to greatness comes dangerously close to unraveling. Sylvia, no longer able to afford school necessities, may need to sell the house. Naturally, she doesn't--just in time, a plum deal plops in the girls' laps. This tidy, overlong movie ought to be sewn up then, but instead, true to the tale, it tacks on a happy, hopeful ending for all. Ballet Shoes is best suited to starry-eyed 9-year-olds and parents who wish to keep their kids' pulses low. ++++ Ballet Shoes ~ Angela Thorne, Barbara Lott, Jane Slaughter, and Elizabeth Morgan (DVD - 2000) |
An Evening with the Royal Ballet / Nureyev, Fonteyn ~ Margot Fonteyn, Rudolf Nureyev, David Blair (VI), and Antoinette Sibley (DVD - 2001) *
++++ This program immortalizes a gala evening of classical ballet featuring the legendary team of Rudolf Nureyev and Dame Margot Fonteyn. Britain's Royal Ballet is one of the world's most celebrated dance companies, thrilling us for over 30 years with a legacy of stunning performances. This video has been critically acclaimed as "a chance to view the pinnacle of ballet achievement." This program features excerpts from immortal favorites including Le Corsaire, Les Sylphides, Sleeping Beauty and La Valse. Frederick Ashton's choreography is brilliantly executed throughout. This is one evening ballet lovers will enjoy over and over again. 85 minutes, color, 1963. ++++ An Evening with the Royal Ballet / Nureyev, Fonteyn ~ Margot Fonteyn, Rudolf Nureyev, David Blair (VI), and Antoinette Sibley (DVD - 2001) |
The Kirov Celebrates Nijinsky / Sheherazade, La Spectre de la Rose, The Polovtsian Dances, The Firebird ~ Paris Opera Ballet, The Polovtsian Dances, and The Firebird (DVD - 2005) *
++++ From the Theatre Musical de Paris - Chatelet; the Kirov Ballet salutes Nijinsky. Sheherazade with Svetlana Zakharova, Faruk Ruzimatov, Vladimir Ponomarev. Music by Rimsky-Korsakov, Libretto by Leon Bakst, Choreography by Mikhail Fokine. Le Spectre de la Rose with Zhana Ayupova and Igor Kolb, Music by Carl von Weber, Orchestration by Hector Berlioz, Choreography by Mikhail Fokine. The Polovtsian Dances with Islom Baimuradov and Polina Rassadina, Music by Alexander Borodin, Choreography by Mikhail Fokine. Firebird with Diana Vishneva and Andrei Yakovlev, Music by Igor Stravinsky, Choreography and Libretto by Mikhail Fokine. ++++ The Kirov Celebrates Nijinsky / Sheherazade, La Spectre de la Rose, The Polovtsian Dances, The Firebird ~ Paris Opera Ballet, The Polovtsian Dances, and The Firebird (DVD - 2005) |
Don Quixote / Baryshnikov, Harvey, American Ballet Theatre ~ Mikhail Baryshnikov, Cynthia Harvey, Richard Schafer, and Brian Adams (VII) (DVD - 2003) *
++++ Mikhail Baryshnikov’s sparkling full-length production of Don Quixote captures all the excitement, Spanish color, and humor of Cervantes’ original masterpiece. It is one of the most popular and joyful ballets surviving from the imperial Russian ballet’s repertory. The famous virtuosic pas de deux is danced in this performance by Baryshnikov "like a dream," according to the New York Post, "a madcap bravado which combined with his pure classicism gives his dancing an edge of genius." His partner, Cynthia Harvey, who takes the part of Kitri, was reviewed in the New York press as possessing "a clear line and splendid grace that grow more wonderful on each viewing." American Ballet Theatre was ecstatically received by the New York press for this performance. The New York Times described how "the dancers had the audience gasping," while the New York Post felt that the company had "never looked better. Dancing flows out of the Ballet with a boisterous beauty." ++++ Don Quixote / Baryshnikov, Harvey, American Ballet Theatre ~ Mikhail Baryshnikov, Cynthia Harvey, Richard Schafer, and Brian Adams (VII) (DVD - 2003) |
Yoga Booty Ballet: Master Series - Goddess Booty/Yoga Core ~ Yoga Booty Ballet: Masters Series (DVD - 2007) *
++++ Listed as the #1 workout celebrities do by SHAPE magazine, Yoga Booty Ballet is a dynamic fusion of dance, booty sculpting, and yoga that will make you feel strong, confident, and beautiful! Created by top fitness experts Gillian Marloth and Teigh McDonough, it’s so much fun, you won’t believe you’re also losing weight and sculpting long, lean muscles. Workouts include: Goddess Booty and Yoga Core. ++++ Yoga Booty Ballet: Master Series - Goddess Booty/Yoga Core ~ Yoga Booty Ballet: Masters Series (DVD - 2007) |
Tinkerbell Dance Studio: Learn Ballet Step-By-Step ~ Learn Ballet Step By Step (DVD - 2006) *
++++ Tinkerbell Dance Studio: Learn Ballet Step-By-Step ~ Learn Ballet Step By Step (DVD - 2006) ++++ Tinkerbell Dance Studio: Learn Ballet Step-By-Step ~ Learn Ballet Step By Step (DVD - 2006) |
3 Ballets By P.I. Tchaikovsky ~ Tchaikovsky, et al. (DVD - 2007) *
++++ 1. Swan Lake featuring The Kirov Ballet St. Petersburg 2. Sleeping Beauty featuring The Australian Ballet Company 3. The Nutcracker featuring The Australian Ballet Company ++++ 3 Ballets By P.I. Tchaikovsky ~ Tchaikovsky, et al. (DVD - 2007) |
Born to Be Wild - The Leading Men of American Ballet Theatre (DVD - 2004) *
++++ This DANCE IN AMERICA performance/documentary explores the lives of the ABT's four lead male dancers: Cuba's Jose Manual Carreno, Spain's Angel Corella, Ukraine's Vladimir Malakhov, and the U.S.'s Ethan Stiefel. Concludes with the four dancers performing. ++++ Born to Be Wild - The Leading Men of American Ballet Theatre (DVD - 2004) |
Vaganova Ballet Classes ~ Vaganova Ballet Academy (DVD - 2006) *
++++ Vladimir Issaev, Choreographer and Ballet Master proudly presents this first DVD of The Vaganova Ballet Academy, featuring an authentic Vaganova Ballet Class at the prestigious Vaganova Ballet Academy of Saint Petersburg, Russia. Artistic Director, Mme. Altynay Asylmuratova, formerly prima ballerina of the Mariinsky Ballet (Kirov) introduces the class by highlighting the strong influence that Ballet Mistress Agrippina Vaganova produced in the Dance Method by the greatest dancers in Ballet History. The class is performed in the classroom where Agrippina Vaganova taught and Marius Petipa created his most magnificent ballets. ++++ Vaganova Ballet Classes ~ Vaganova Ballet Academy (DVD - 2006) |
Tchaikovsky, Petipa - Swan Lake / Kirov Ballet, Yulia Makhalina, Igor Zelensky ~ Kirov Ballet, Yulia Makhalina, and Igor Zelensky (DVD - 2006) *
++++ This classic Kirov production of Swan Lake by Oleg Vinogradov includes the familiar happy ending in the final act, where Siegfried fights and ultimately defeats the evil magician, von Rothbart, and at dawn is reunited with Odette. Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Choreography by Marius Petipa And Lev Ivanov, in A Version By Konstantin Sergeyev. Odette/Odile: Yulia Makhalina; Prince Siegfried: Igor Zelensky; Rothbart: Eldar Aliyev; Court Jester:: Yuri Fateyev; The Princess Regent: Angelina Kashirina. Kirov Theatre Orchestra, conducted by Viktor Fedotov. ++++ Tchaikovsky, Petipa - Swan Lake / Kirov Ballet, Yulia Makhalina, Igor Zelensky ~ Kirov Ballet, Yulia Makhalina, and Igor Zelensky (DVD - 2006) |
Cesare Pugni - La Fille du Pharaon (The Pharoah's Daughter) / Zakharova, Filin, Alexandrova, Yanin, Lacotte, Bolshoi Ballet ~ Svetlana Zakharova, Pierre Lacotte, and Bolshoi Opera Ballet (DVD - 2005) *
++++ By 1903 "The Pharaoh's Daughter" had been performed 204 times on the Tsarist stage since its 1862 premiere, as by then it was the most popular ballet in the repertory (by 1904 "The Sleeping Beauty" was in second place), and a 'piece de resistance' of the great Ballerinas of the late 19th century, right on up into the 20th. The most celebrated of course being the Prima Ballerina Assoluta Mathilde Felixovna Kschessinkskaya, who, at least around the beginning of the 1900s allowed no other Ballerina to dance the coveted role of Aspicia. She called the ballet her "personal property", (as well as "La Esmeralda", "La Fille Mal Gardee"). The glamorous Ballerina was famous for dancing the role of the Egyptian Princess wearing her sensational jewelery, the most famous piece being her Febrege choker encrusted with millions of Roubles worth of diamonds! Even little George Balanchine performed in the ballet as the monkey when he was a young boy. ++++ Cesare Pugni - La Fille du Pharaon (The Pharoah's Daughter) / Zakharova, Filin, Alexandrova, Yanin, Lacotte, Bolshoi Ballet ~ Svetlana Zakharova, Pierre Lacotte, and Bolshoi Opera Ballet (DVD - 2005) |
Mendelssohn - A Midsummer Night's Dream ~ Alessandra Ferri, Roberto Bolle, Massimo Murru, and Riccardo Massimi (DVD - 2007) *
++++ Mendelssohn - A Midsummer Night's Dream ~ Alessandra Ferri, Roberto Bolle, Massimo Murru, and Riccardo Massimi (DVD - 2007) ++++ Mendelssohn - A Midsummer Night's Dream ~ Alessandra Ferri, Roberto Bolle, Massimo Murru, and Riccardo Massimi (DVD - 2007) |
A Fantasy Garden Ballet Class ~ Rosemary Boross (DVD - 2003) *
++++ Ballet instructor Rosemary Boross combines imagination and ballet in this innovative dance program for preschoolers. Boross and a class of preschoolers warm up, perform stretching and strengthening exercises, progress to center work, and end with révérence. Boross does not give specific instruction or attempt to include viewers in her class. She does associate many fundamental ballet steps like plié, tendu, and bourreé with garden flowers and animals by utilizing original compositions by Bruce Foster. While the video's cover art suggests animated segments, there is no animation in the presentation, just crayon drawings and studio dancing set to music with clever lyrics. Convincing young students dance with Boross throughout the video, then improvise with scarves in a brief creative-movement segment. The instruction is minimal in this 38-minute video, but young viewers will learn many ballet fundamentals by imitating Boross and may even remember some ballet terms thanks to the garden imagery. (Ages 3 to 5) ++++ A Fantasy Garden Ballet Class ~ Rosemary Boross (DVD - 2003) |
Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake ~ Valery Gergiev, Uliana Lopatkina, Danila Korsuntsev, and Ilya Kuznetsov (DVD - 2007) *
++++ This Swan Lake is the third full video version of Sergeyev's Swan Lake from the Mariinsky in twenty years. I think that, all things considered, it is also the best, although the film with Yulia Makhalina and Zelensky is also very fine. The reason I give this film the slight edge is that it was filmed in front of a live audience, and thus has a frission and excitement missing from the Makhalina/Zelensky video, which was a "canned" performance. Also, Makhalina in 1990 was a lovely dancer, but very young, and her O/O in my opinion was beautiful but not a fully developed portrayal. Lopatkina also handles the technical challenges of the ballet better than Makhalina. ++++ Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake ~ Valery Gergiev, Uliana Lopatkina, Danila Korsuntsev, and Ilya Kuznetsov (DVD - 2007) |
Tchaikovsky - The Sleeping Beauty / Durante, Solymosi, Dowell, Royal Ballet ~ Viviana Durante, Zoltan Solymosi, Anthony Dowell, and Benazir Hussein (DVD - 1997) *
++++ This ballet may be Tchaikovsky's grandest achievement, The Nutcracker's eternal popularity notwithstanding. And when in the hands (and feet!) of the Royal Ballet, whose superlative 1994 production has been taped for posterity, the composer's singular genius for dance becomes palpable to even the most casual viewers. With choreography by Marius Petipa (who updates Kenneth Macmillan's and Anthony Dowell's work from earlier stagings) and with Dowell's lovely production, the Royal Ballet demonstrates yet again its preeminence in the world of ballet. Viviana Durante dances the princess with otherworldly grace and fluidity, and her partner Zoltan Solymosi's prince is impossibly agile and equally graceful. Dowell even contributes wonderful comic relief as the evil fairy. Barry Wordsworth and the Royal Orchestra do Tchaikovsky's beautiful score, and the remarkable dancers, justice. A ballet company at its considerable performing peak has been preserved for all. ++++ Tchaikovsky - The Sleeping Beauty / Durante, Solymosi, Dowell, Royal Ballet ~ Viviana Durante, Zoltan Solymosi, Anthony Dowell, and Benazir Hussein (DVD - 1997) |
Three Ballets by Jiri Kylian ~ Jiri Kylian (DVD - 2007) *
++++ Three Ballets by Jiri Kylian ~ Jiri Kylian (DVD - 2007) ++++ Three Ballets by Jiri Kylian ~ Jiri Kylian (DVD - 2007) |
Sleeping Beauty: The Classic Motion Picture With The Kirov Ballet / Alla Sizova, Natalia Dudinskaya, Natalia Makarova (DVD - 2007) *
++++ The Kirov Ballet performs Tchaikovsky s beautiful ballet, Sleeping Beauty, in this classic color motion picture from 1965, based on the original choreography by Marius Petipa, which the New York Times called some of the finest classical choreography ever created. Kirov ballerina Alla Sizova stars as Princess Aurora, the role which made her a legend among dancers. In his review of the film, Clive Barnes called Sizova radiant and delicate, a great ballerina in the first flush of her powers. Yuri Solovyov co-stars as the Prince, Natalia Dudinskaya portrays Carabosse and a young Natalia Makarova has a featured role as Princess Florina. ++++ Sleeping Beauty: The Classic Motion Picture With The Kirov Ballet / Alla Sizova, Natalia Dudinskaya, Natalia Makarova (DVD - 2007) |
La Bayadere - The Royal Ballet ~ Altyani Asylmuratova, Darcey Bussell, Anthony Dowell, and Irek Mukhamedov (DVD - 2006) *
++++ This Royal Ballet La Bayadere features Natalia Makarova's reconstruction of Petipa's ballet. Much of the choreography has been lost, including the entire final act. Makarova has thus chosen to streamline the extant choreography, and through some recreation and reshuffling, reconstruct a final act. Other versions (such as the Paris version by Nureyev) choose to work with the extant choreography and end the ballet with the last known Petipa choreography (the Shades act). There are plusses and minusses to both approaches. Makarova's version gives the ballet some closure. On the other hand, she severely streamlined many of the dances in the Solor/Gamzatti Betrothal Act (including the delightful 'pot' dance), and redid the orchestration. ++++ La Bayadere - The Royal Ballet ~ Altyani Asylmuratova, Darcey Bussell, Anthony Dowell, and Irek Mukhamedov (DVD - 2006) |
Element: Ballet Conditioning ~ Elise Gulan (DVD - 2007) *
++++ Yoga is one of the best ways to cultivate a connection between your mind and body. It tones muscles, increases flexibility, calms the mind and can improve overall health. Filmed on a lush, tranquil location overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this unique beginner yoga sequence will teach you yoga breathing, and take you step by step through a full range of yoga poses that will strengthen, stretch, and revitalize your body. You will notice results from your very first practice, and as you become familiar with the postures, both your yoga practice and your body will evolve in an uplifting and truly empowering way ++++ Element: Ballet Conditioning ~ Elise Gulan (DVD - 2007) |
Ballet for Boys with Richard Glasstone ~ Richard Glasstone (DVD - 2007) *
++++ This informative program is the perfect introduction to ballet for boys and young men. Specially devised and presented by world-renowned ballet teacher Richard Glasstone, this program is demonstrated by young beginners, late starters and a professional dancer. It presents in a clear and understandable style how to coordinate the basic building blocks of ballet in a unique series of exercises that include: BENDING EXTENDING RISING JUMPING TURNING DARTING. Richard Glasstone is the former Senior Teacher for Boys at The Royal Ballet Lower School. He has auditioned and taught many of the dance world’s most talented male dancers. He is the Director of Ballet at Laine Theatre Arts and Director of the Cecchetti Centre in London. Richard Glasstone is also the author of Better Ballet and Male Dancing as a Career ++++ Ballet for Boys with Richard Glasstone ~ Richard Glasstone (DVD - 2007) |
Adam - Giselle / Kirov, Petipa, Mezentseva ~ Altyani Asylmuratova, Kirov Ballet, Galina Mezentseva, and Gennady Selyutsky (DVD - 2006) *
++++ Adam’s romantic ballet, Giselle, first seen in 1841, was the finest of the ballets staged in Paris during the age of Romanticism. Over the years Giselle disappeared from the repertory outside Russia, and has only survived through the recognition of its quality and the preservation of its traditions by the Kirov Ballet. The role of Giselle has been compared to that of Hamlet. She is a simple peasant girl, driven from joy to madness and death through an unhappy love. She is transformed into a ghost and ordered to help destroy the man who betrayed her, while still seeking to sustain him because of her undying love. Giselle: Galina Mezentseva. Albrecht: Konstantin Zaklinsky. Bertha: Angelina Kabarova. Bathilde: Anelina Kasherina. Hilarion: Gennadi Selyutski. Wilfred: Valentin Onoshko. Orchestra of the Kirov Theatre of Opera and Ballet; Conductor Viktor Fedotov. Music: Adolphe Adam. Choreography: Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot, revised by Marius Petipa. ++++ Adam - Giselle / Kirov, Petipa, Mezentseva ~ Altyani Asylmuratova, Kirov Ballet, Galina Mezentseva, and Gennady Selyutsky (DVD - 2006) |
Tchaikovsky - The Nutcracker / Collier, Dowell, Royal Ballet Covent Garden ~ Anthony Dowell, Guy Niblett, Lesley Collier, and Jonathan Cope (DVD - 2003) *
++++ Fantasy and magic are the essential ingredients of The Nutcracker, and Tchaikovsky’s imaginative score helps bring to life the fantasy world of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s enchanting story of "The Nutcracker and The Mouse King." Gennady Rozhdestvensky is the guest conductor who "drew ravishing playing from this most ravishing of Tchaikovsky’s ballet scores." (Guardian) Though the original scenario for The Nutcracker was considered to be fatally flawed, this magical work has survived to become one of the firmest favorites in the ballet repertory. This production by the Artistic Director of Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet, Peter Wright, with the help of Tchaikovsky ballet expert Roland John Wiley, attempts to rescue from far-flung archives surviving evidence of the original Ivanov/Sergueyev staging, combined with some captivating modern stage effects. ++++ Tchaikovsky - The Nutcracker / Collier, Dowell, Royal Ballet Covent Garden ~ Anthony Dowell, Guy Niblett, Lesley Collier, and Jonathan Cope (DVD - 2003) |
Les Ballets Trockadero, Vol. 1 ~ Czech Philharmonic Orchestra (DVD - 2002) *
++++ If you are looking for something a little different in ballet, you should try this. the Trockadero troupe offers comedy, men dancing on pointe as women, and men dancing as men.(unfortunately, they do not offer men dancing on pointe as men, which has been explored by others, nor do they explore women dancing as men.) They are very entertaining and dance quite well, showing a serious side in addition to the comedy. The company director points out that they also make it a point ( a pointe? ) to do unusual pieces, not done much by other companies, such as "Raymonda's Wedding" in volume one and "Yes Virginia, Another Piano Ballet" in volume two (volume two is also available through amazon.com ). As a male ballet dancer myself, the differences in what makes movement masculine or feminine is something I and all serious dancers explore; perhaps this troupe helps shed some light on this. The overall emphasis here is comedy, not any heavy message, so this dvd should appeal to a wide audience. ++++ Les Ballets Trockadero, Vol. 1 ~ Czech Philharmonic Orchestra (DVD - 2002) |
Les Ballets Trockadero. Vol. 2 ~ Ballets Trockadero (DVD - 2002) *
++++ Great photography and points of view-Vol One was equally entertaining. The possibility of freezing the action increases the pleasure of the very accomplished dancers by admiting their positions and , especially, their facial responses. ++++ Les Ballets Trockadero. Vol. 2 ~ Ballets Trockadero (DVD - 2002) |
Adam - Giselle / Svetlana Zakharova, Roberto Bolle, Vittorio d'Amato, La Scala Ballet ~ David Coleman, Marta Romagna, Antonino Sutera, and Sophie Sarrote (DVD - 2006) *
++++ It has been quite a long time since the ballet world has been blessed with a ballet duo the likes of Zakharova and Bolle. Their ability to perform with technical excellence and emotional intensity is very rare--and breathtaking! We are blessed with some nice releases on dvd by them(Swan Lake and La Bayadere). Perhaps it is in Giselle that we can experience the most realistic portrayal of human emotion in ballet, and Zakharova and Bolle do not disappoint us! This version has the most sizzling emotional intensity of any I have seen, both in act one and act two. In act one Zakharova displays youthful warmth and innocence and in act two, intense love, pain, and grief. Bolle also gives a very appropriate portrayal, showing real intensity throughout. All the scenes are equally magnificent, as is the supporting cast. It is a complete Giselle with the peasant pas de deux and all the group dances, as well as extensive choreography for Myrtha and the other wilis. Finally, the music, costumes, and scenery are also of the highest standard. The image quality and sound are likewise superb. It is packaged with a booklet. Unfortunately, there is no bonus material on the dvd. This is definitely one of the finest Giselle performances on dvd. ++++ Adam - Giselle / Svetlana Zakharova, Roberto Bolle, Vittorio d'Amato, La Scala Ballet ~ David Coleman, Marta Romagna, Antonino Sutera, and Sophie Sarrote (DVD - 2006) |
Minkus - La Bayadere / Guerin, Hilaire, Platel, Paris Ballet ~ Minkus, Isabelle Guerin, Laurent Hilaire, and Elisabeth Platel (DVD - 2004) *
++++ Exotic and mysterious India serves as the backdrop to this story of doomed love between the warrior Solor and the bayadère, Nikiya, who is killed by her jealous rival, Gamzatti. Breathtaking sets and costumes are designed by Ezio Frigerio and Franca Squarciapino in this exceptional production, recorded at the Palais Garnier in Paris. Direction and choreography in this fully restored version of Petipa's original ballet are by Rudolf Nureyev. Stars Isabelle Guérin, Laurent Hilaire, and Élisabeth Platel. ++++ Minkus - La Bayadere / Guerin, Hilaire, Platel, Paris Ballet ~ Minkus, Isabelle Guerin, Laurent Hilaire, and Elisabeth Platel (DVD - 2004) |
Gayane Ballet ~ Alexander Rumyantsev, Larisa Tuisova, and Gennady Gorbanev (DVD - 2007) *
++++ DESCRIPTION ++++ Gayane Ballet ~ Alexander Rumyantsev, Larisa Tuisova, and Gennady Gorbanev (DVD - 2007) |
Stravinsky - The Firebird & Les Noces / Royal Ballet ~ Jonathan Cope, The Royal Ballet, Leanne Benjamin, and Genesia Rosato (DVD - 2002) *
++++ The Royal Ballet's glorious Stravinsky Double Bill unleashes the spectacular production of "The Firebird" with the stark beauty of "Les Noces," magically choreographed by the legendary Nijinska. The all-star cast includes Zenaida Yanowsky and David Pickering as the Bride and Bridegroom in "Les Noces," Leanne Benjamin as The Firebird, Jonathan Cope as Ivan Tsarevich, Genesia Rosato as The Beautiful Tsarevna and as The Immortal Kostchei, David Drew, who recalls in an absorbing interview his role in Nijinska's original production of "Les Noces." As an added bonus, this unmissable DVD also includes exclusive behind-the-scenes rehearsal footage of the two ballets. ++++ Stravinsky - The Firebird & Les Noces / Royal Ballet ~ Jonathan Cope, The Royal Ballet, Leanne Benjamin, and Genesia Rosato (DVD - 2002) |
The Ballet Workout Vol. 2: Strength and Conditioning ~ Melissa Lowe (DVD - 2004) *
++++ Discover the joy of movement and the beauty of dance with the second program in this series by Instructor Melissa Lowe. Melissa introduces two new workouts that will help you strengthen your muscles, get rid of cellulite, reshape, condition and tone your body. This workout will not only help you create the body you have always wanted, but will also help you gain an overall sense of well being. Previous ballet experience is helpful but not necessary. Success on both workouts lies in performing the exercises in the correct position and with the correct posture. Melissa Lowe received early training at the School of American Ballet and American Ballet Theatre where she was an apprentice to the company. She danced professionally with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, the Houston Ballet as a soloist and the Pacific Northwest Ballet as a principal dancer. She is currently a Professor of Ballet and the Director of Early Movement Education at the University of Arizona. ++++ The Ballet Workout Vol. 2: Strength and Conditioning ~ Melissa Lowe (DVD - 2004) |
Ballet Boot Camp Stretch ~ Jessica Sherwood (DVD - 2007) *
++++ This unique workout offers a varied, flowing mixture of stretches created to lengthen muscles, increase flexibility and release tight joints. This energising and strengthening workout will help you to build your center of power and develop your body's core muscle groups. You will elongate and strengthen your entire body, in particular your abdominal and back muscles, which are the foundation for enhanced fitness and athletic performance. For challenging ballet-based workouts check out Ballet Boot Camp 1 and 2. ++++ Ballet Boot Camp Stretch ~ Jessica Sherwood (DVD - 2007) |
Prokofiev - Romeo and Juliet / Ferri, Eagling, Jefferies, Drew, Hosking, Macmillan, Lawrence, Royal Ballet ~ Alessandra Ferri, et al. (DVD - 2005) *
++++ Sir Kenneth MacMillan's Romeo and Juliet has long been one of the greatest successes in The Royal Ballet repertoire, winning worldwide acclaim as an impassioned and thrilling view of Shakespeare's tragedy and of Prokofiev's glorious score. His sensual choreography poignantly captures the conflict between blossoming love and cankerous revenge. Romeo and Juliet calls upon the full forces of a great company of dance-actors to present the street fights of the feuding Capulets and Montagues in renaissance Verona, and also to convey the splendour of such scenes as the Capulet ball. It also requires a ballerina and a premier danseur able to express the raptures and despair that mark the young lovers' tragedy. In Alessandra Ferri and Wayne Eagling the roles are lived with tremendous intensity, whether soaring during the balcony pas de deux or caught in the last agonizing moments in the Capulet vault. ++++ Prokofiev - Romeo and Juliet / Ferri, Eagling, Jefferies, Drew, Hosking, Macmillan, Lawrence, Royal Ballet ~ Alessandra Ferri, et al. (DVD - 2005) |
Lacotte - La Sylphide / Aurelie Dupont, Mathieu Ganio, Melanie Hurel, Jean-Marie Didiere, Ermanna Floria, Paris Opera Ballet ~ Pierre Lacotte, Dupont, Ganio, and Hurel (DVD - 2005) *
++++ When La Sylphide first premiered on March 12, 1832, Marie Taglioni made ballet history by dancing in the first white tutu and dancing the whole performance en pointe. It is considered the first Romantic ballet (not the court dances or court-inspired dances of the time of Louix the Fourteenth). For the first time, a world of whimsy and poetic imagery was staged. La Sylphide tells the story of a Scotsman who is married but falls for a mysterious aerial creature- La Sylphide. There is much plotless dancing and beautiful forest scenery. A villain- Madge, bent on ruining the lovers. This production from 2004 is performed by the Paris Opera Ballet company. It's beautifully re-created from the original choreography by Taglioni. The music is masterfully orchestrated and the bonus feature recounting the history is a fine addition. Own this DVD today if you love classic ballet. ++++ Lacotte - La Sylphide / Aurelie Dupont, Mathieu Ganio, Melanie Hurel, Jean-Marie Didiere, Ermanna Floria, Paris Opera Ballet ~ Pierre Lacotte, Dupont, Ganio, and Hurel (DVD - 2005) |
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