Ballet 422 (opens March 13th at the Cedar Lee Theatre)

[BALLET 422 opens Friday March 13th in Cleveland exclusively at the Cedar Lee Theatre.]

Review by Bob Ignizio

If you've ever wanted to know how a new ballet comes into existence, then look no further than BALLET 422. Director Jody Lee Pipes shows us every aspect – and I do mean EVERY – of what it takes for this art form to move from concept to stage, right down to a scene showing fabric for the costumes being dyed. What we don't get from Pipes “fly on the wall” approach to making this film is the human side of it all.

The ballet we witness being born is the work of Justin Peck, a 25 year old dancer with the New York City Ballet. We see plenty of his talent, commitment, and hard work, but there's precious little in the film about who he is, what inspired his work, and what his emotional connection to it is. As much as I get tired of the “talking heads” approach to documentaries at times, this one could have benefited from an interview or two.

“The Nutcracker” in 3-D Cinematic Event From the Renowned Mariinsky Theatre

[Press release from Fathom Events.]

NCM® Fathom Events, More2Screen and EuroArts Music bring the magic of Tchaikovsky’s beloved holiday ballet, “The Nutcracker,” to life on the big screen for the first time in stunning 3-D in select theaters with RealD™ 3D technology. “The Nutcracker Mariinsky Ballet” on Monday, Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m., with special matinee screenings in select theaters, was pre-recorded at the historic Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg in December 2011 where the original Nutcracker first made its debut 120 years ago in 1892. This special cinematic holiday event will draw audiences into the performance on stage, taking them on a magical journey with Clara, her Nutcracker, exquisite dancers and toy soldiers.

 

First Position (opens in Cleveland May 18th at the Cedar Lee Theatre)

[FIRST POSITION opens in Cleveland on Friday May 18th exclusively at the Cedar Lee Theatre.]

Review by Bob Ignizio

Following the efforts of six young people aged nine to nineteen to do succeed at the Youth American Grand Prix, a prestigious ballet competition with considerable rewards, one might expect FIRST POSITION to share certain disturbing similarities with reality shows like Toddlers With Tiaras or the child actor documentary THE HOLLYWOOD COMPLEX. Thankfully, it does not. There are no stage parents pushing these kids; in fact, some of the parents express surprise that their children decided to go down this path, while at the same time expressing pride in just how well they've done. And all of those profiled in this documentary must have done very well, indeed to have made it this far in the competition.

All of the film's subjects are talented and likeable, and we genuinely want to see all of them do well. 11 year old American army brat Aran is a natural, very possibly destined to be a star. His Israeli friend Gaya seems a little less serious, but still displays considerable talent. Twelve year old Miko Fogarty and her ten year old brother Jules are the only ones in the bunch who might be getting pushed a bit by their parents, but at least one of the siblings clearly has a genuine personal desire to excel. Orphaned in Sierre Leone and adopted by Jewish American parents, 14 year old Michaela DePrince easily has the most dramatic story. Columbian Joan Sebastian Zamora misses his family, but knows that dancing may well be his only chance at a better life. Finally, 17 year old Rebecca Houseknecht is an all-American teen who, despite her talent, seems a little self conscious about how “weird” her pursuits make her seem to her peers.

GISELLE IN 3D Ballet Cinema Event To Premiere This July

Press Release From NCM Fathom:

Continuing its mission to offer groundbreaking in-theater events of all types, NCM Fathom presents GISELLE IN 3D, the world’s first 3-D ballet to be shown with RealD™ 3D technology on Tuesday, July 12 at Noon followed by a second performance at 7:30 p.m. (both times local). Pre-recorded at the historic Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia, GISELLE IN 3D captures the beauty and movement of a world-class performance in a new and multi-dimensional way, offering cinema audiences a 'best seat in the house' experience from anywhere in their local theater.
Tickets for GISELLE IN 3D are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.