I just finished watching “Making Ballet”, a documentary film by Anthony Azzopardi. The film follows prima ballerina Karen Kain and the National Ballet of Canada from rehearsals through a live performance as they stage “The Actress”, a piece created for Karen Kain by by choreographer James Kudelka. There are more close ups of pointe shoes in this film than any other dance film I've seen. Frayed, torn, worn, scuffed, and occasionally bloodied shoes. The squeak on the mylar floors... the pounding of new shoes on the stage floor. Though it is the feet within that counts!
The creation parts of the rehearsals are interesting and fun - the dancers work hard, repeatedly practising a few bars of music over and over. Aaahhhh, that Chopin, that piano (Gary Arbor, pianist, par excellence.....in fact, I prefer Chopin on the piano. Although the orchestra is appropriately dramatic for the theater, I would not complain at all if the piano were chosen instead). The nitty-gritty of rehearsal is easy to watch with the wonderful National Ballet dancers and their accomplished technical expertise, though the artistry revealed in even the gestures of just marking the movements, previews how emotionally thoughtful and intimate the performances will ultimately be. The dancers are accessible to us on camera, yet the focus on their process eclipses all else as they lift, catch, and work out tricky moments. As the dancers prepare backstage, you'll see pink heels and toes going into the rosin box, with some water splashed on, before the shoes are donned. You'll see exacto knives carving into the satin of new shoes, and rows of ribboned and hand-hewn shoes ready for the performances. The film takes us through some costume fittings, and scenery painting. We also see some class work with Reid Andersen teaching, and some well-muscled young men warming up with (large!) weights. And lots and lots of foot-work in pointe shoes. I think you'll really enjoy it!
Last update : Friday, 13 July 2007
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