Ballets Russes (2005)

91% of critics liked it
(58 reviews)
57% of users liked it
(2,676 ratings)

Filmmakers Dan Geller and Dayna Goldfine explore the remarkable history of the legendary dance troupe Ballets Russes in this meticulously researched documentary that traces the evolution of the group from their 1909 debut performance in Paris until their final 1962 show in Brooklyn, NY. Performing… More Filmmakers Dan Geller and Dayna Goldfine explore the remarkable history of the legendary dance troupe Ballets Russes in this meticulously researched documentary that traces the evolution of the group from their 1909 debut performance in Paris until their final 1962 show in Brooklyn, NY. Performing at venues both large and small, the Ballets Russes opened the world's eyes to the art of dance in a manner never even conceived by vaudeville. Detailing everything from the involvement of such legendary artists as Picasso and Matisse to the quarrels between choreography giants George Balanchine and Leonid Massine -- and including interviews with such historical Ballets Russes dancers as Yvonne Chouteau, Raven Wilkinson, and other surviving members of the troupe -- this documentary pays tribute to some of the biggest names in the world of dance while simultaneously showcasing the remarkable influence that Ballets Russes had on generations of dancers. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 2 hr. 1 min.
Directed By: Dayna Goldfine, Daniel Geller
Genres: Musical & Performing Arts, Documentary

In Theaters: Oct 26, 2005 Wide
On DVD: Sep 12, 2006
Studio: Zeitgeist

Critic Reviews

John Monaghan, Detroit Free Press
A casual interest in dance is all it takes to enjoy Ballets Russes, an enchanting new documentary about the famed French ballet company.
Bruce Westbrook, Houston Chronicle
... a heartening affirmation of the spirit that helped many dancers to thrive in their heyday more than half a century ago and to survive as teachers, dance devotees and priceless raconteurs.
Andrew Sarris, New York Observer
Enchanting, edifying and exhilarating.
Margaret Putnam, Dallas Morning News
Capturing glimpses of those halcyon days, filmmakers Dan Geller and Dayna Goldfine offer the documentary Ballets Russes, riveting in rare footage and poignant interviews with some of the dancers who brought ballet to the hinterlands.
Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor
Ballets Russes does an amazing job of unearthing footage of the famous ballet troupe from its beginnings in turn-of-the-century Paris through to its demise in the '60s.
Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel
Vintage footage and modern interviews and staged 'events' tell the tale of this important piece of art history.
David Noh, Film Journal International
Chock-a-block with invaluable footage of historical performances and reminiscences by eminent survivors, gorgeous and awe-inspiring in their unquenchable life force.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
The talking heads, clips and photos are all so warm and dynamic that they make for quite a watchable film.
Urban Cinefile Critics, Urban Cinefile
An informative, insightful glimpse into the ballet company that made an impact on the development of the dance form...a history lesson and an unforgettable close up encounter with some of its artists
Robert W. Butler, Kansas City Star
An uplifting and deeply satisfying meditation on the passage of time and the resilience of the human spirit.
Thomas Delapa, Boulder Weekly
Surprisingly heavy on its feet.
Phil Villarreal, Arizona Daily Star
Misses out on a chance for wider appeal by mixing approaches, dryly unloading lots of inside-baseball information about a ballet company that went kaput more than 40 years ago.

Read all 12 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Jeremy S

Fascinating documentary on the world's most famous ballet.
Stefanie C

a fascinating review of the dance troupe initially formed from russian refugees. their ballets from 1909 thru the 1940's were artistic fusions of scenery, costumes, sets, music, and dance! my personal favorites were those choreographed by leonide massine. this company was the… More
a fascinating review of the dance troupe initially formed from russian refugees. their ballets from 1909 thru the 1940's were artistic fusions of scenery, costumes, sets, music, and dance! my personal favorites were those choreographed by leonide massine. this company was the first to introduce the symphony ballets. scores were commissoned from stravinsky, debussy, prokofiev, etc. sets were desinged by miro, picasso, dali, etc. the u.s. tours during wwii introduced ballet to major cities and small towns. the dancers are all very expressive, passionate, and individualistic. hopefully, these vibrant dancers will be able to pass on their genius to a new generation.