41 Dance Films Exploring Ballet

Darcey Bussell and Roberto Bolle star in Frederick Ashton's *Sylvia*, restored to its full three-act length for The Royal Ballet's 75th anniversary. The ballet tells a story rooted in Greek mythology, following Sylvia's journey from being loved by Aminta, to…

This biographical film explores the remarkable life of Isadora Duncan, a key figure who transformed dance in the 1920s. Duncan was famous for her controversial performances, often performed nude or semi-nude, which challenged social expectations with her innovative dances. Her…

"The Gay Parisian" is a 1941 Technicolor short film from Warner Bros., directed by Jean Negulesco. The film adapts the 1938 ballet "Gaîté Parisienne," choreographed by Léonide Massine and set to music by Jacques Offenbach, and features the Ballet Russe…

Frederick Ashton's *The Wayward Daughter* is a vibrant and cheerful ballet inspired by the Suffolk countryside. The story unfolds on a farm, depicting the love between Lise, the daughter of Widow Simone, and Colas, a young farmer. Featuring some of…

On July 5th, 2008, the Amsterdam ArenA was packed with people. The event featured top DJs, impressive dance performances, and stunning visual effects, all set against a backdrop of waterfalls and fountains. Thousands of attendees immersed themselves in a magical…

Lis Jepessen stars as La Sylphide, a captivating forest spirit who charms Scottish farmer James (Nikolaj Hubbe) with her beauty, in this acclaimed stage production of August Bournonville's classic ballet, first performed by the Royal Danish Ballet in 1836. Sorella…

ETOILES: DANCERS OF THE PARIS OPERA BALLET chronicles the history of one of the world's leading ballet companies. The film combines footage from rehearsals, tours, and performances of both classic ballets like Swan Lake and La Sylphide, and modern works…

The Royal Ballet Company performs *Squirrel Nutkin*, *Tom Thumb*, *Hunca Munca*, *Jemima Puddle-Duck*, *Jeremy Fisher*, *Pigling Bland*, and *Pigwig* in this filmed ballet production directed by Reginald Mills. The film is primarily the work of choreographer Frederick Ashmore, composer John…

"Night Journey," a ballet premiered just two and a half years after "Appalachian Spring," shares many similarities. It features a stream-of-consciousness narration, with Jocasta reflecting on her life as she contemplates suicide. Like its predecessor, it includes deeply personal solos…

This collection features stunning pas de deux from classic ballets, embodying the spirit of partnership in dance. The dances include performances by renowned artists like Margot Fonteyn and Rudolph Nureyev in "Le Corsaire," as well as Darcey Bussell and Jonathan…

Peter Wright's production of this beloved ballet tells the story of young Clara, who embarks on a magical adventure when a Christmas gift comes to life. It’s a truly enchanting version of the classic.

In the spring of 1913, Parisian businessman Gabriel Astruc opens a new theater on the Champs Elysées. The first performance is the premiere of Igor Stravinsky's 'The Rite of Spring', danced by the Ballet Russes. Rehearsals are difficult: the orchestra…

This film features Sergei Starvinsky's ballets, *The Firebird* and *The Rite of Spring*, presented with choreography restored to its original versions by Michel Fokine (*The Firebird*) and Vaslav Nijinsky (*The Rite of Spring*).

In a Gypsy village, the fathers of Candela and José arrange a marriage between their children. Years later, José marries Candela, but while defending his mistress Lucía in a fight, he is fatally stabbed. Carmelo, who has secretly loved Candela…

This captivating ballet draws inspiration from "The Sleeping Beauty," exploring the conflict between purity and temptation. Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, performing to music by Tchaikovsky, present this enchanting production. It received the 2001 Nijinsky Award for Best Choreographic Production and…

The Leipzig Ballet presents Igor Stravinsky's iconic ballet, "The Rite of Spring," choreographed by Uwe Scholz.

The film follows a talented ballet dancer as he navigates love, self-discovery, and his career ambitions. He struggles with his sexuality, torn between his dedication to dance and a passionate but demanding relationship. The arrival of a promising young ballerina…

This holiday favorite is a DVD recording of a beloved ballet, performed annually in Miami and Broward for families. Choreographed by Vladimir Issaev, the ballet follows Clara, who receives a magical Nutcracker on Christmas Eve. The gift transports her to…

Since its successful debut in 1960, Frederick Ashton's *La Fille mal gardee* has been a favorite, reflecting his love for nature and the Suffolk countryside. Marianela Nunez and Carlos Acosta are Lise and Colas, young lovers trying to prevent Widow…

BLAST! Blends music, dance, and visual effects to create a unique performance experience. Performers move continuously, executing complex choreography set to classical, symphonic, Broadway, and popular music. Filmed at London's Apollo Hammersmith Theatre in April 2000, the show features musical…

A dedicated dancer finds herself battling to stay grounded after landing the principal role in a performance of Tchaikovsky’s "Swan Lake."

This film is a recording of Aaron Copland's most celebrated ballet, featuring the original principal dancer who also created the choreography.

This is a recording of a ballet performance by The Royal Ballet, filmed at Covent Garden in London, England, in July 1984.

A renowned ballet by Kenneth MacMillan, set to the music of Sergei Prokofiev.

This version of "The Nutcracker" presents the classic ballet with a tragic story. Masha, the neglected daughter of the Town Council President, receives a Nutcracker from her Uncle Drosselmeyer at a Christmas party and is immediately captivated by it. At…

Mikhail Baryshnikov's acclaimed Emmy-nominated production of The Nutcracker features the exceptional talents of Baryshnikov, a leading classical dancer, and Gelsey Kirkland, both at the height of their careers. The performance also includes dancers from the American Ballet Theatre.

This enchanting adaptation of the classic fairytale Sleeping Beauty brings romance and magic to life. The celebrated Kirov Ballet, with choreography by Marius Petipa, tells the story of a vengeful witch who curses a princess after being excluded from her…

On a dreary Christmas Eve, a solitary young girl in a strict orphanage begins a vibrant, imaginative adventure where she learns about herself and discovers love.

A talented teenage dancer joins a renowned ballet academy as she navigates her feelings about her gender identity.

This dance drama follows a newly married couple as they build a life on the American frontier. Guided by a devout Revivalist and an experienced Pioneer Woman, they find joy in dancing, courtship, and singing together. Their peaceful existence is…

This film dramatizes the diaries of Russian ballet star Vaslav Nijinsky, revealing his descent into madness and his complex relationships. The diaries detail his passionate connection with Ballet Russe impresario Sergei Diaghilev, as well as his marriage to his Hungarian…

In Paris, American artist Jerry Mulligan pursues recognition in the art world, supported by his friend Adam, a pianist also seeking success. Their lives become more connected through Adam's relationship with Henri Baurel, a famous French singer, drawing them into…

This film explores the creation of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's iconic ballet and chronicles its numerous stage productions. It features insights into performances by renowned dancers portraying the dual role of Odette and Odile, alongside excerpts from the original choreography by…

Ballerina Polina Semionova dances the roles of Odette and Odile, the white and black swans, alongside her partner Stanislav Jermakov. The Zurich Opera House Orchestra is conducted by Vladimir Fedoseyev, a renowned conductor of this ballet.

Tanaquil Le Clercq was considered by many to be the most captivating ballerina of her time. Her unique physique captivated audiences and choreographers, particularly George Balanchine, who saw in her a new ideal. As a muse to both Balanchine and…

Milan and Nola, both twenty, have made a lifelong promise to love each other until death. On a July evening, they jump from a bridge together. In the psychiatric ward where they are treated, they meet an elderly schizophrenic who…

This dance film draws inspiration from the lives and art of Camille Claudel and Auguste Rodin.

This charming ballet centers on Dr. Coppelius, an odd toymaker obsessed with animating his exquisite doll, Coppélia. His plans are disrupted by the spirited Swanilda, who disguises herself as Coppélia to rescue her beloved, Franz, from the Doctor's enchantment. Presented…

In *She Dances Alone*, director Robert Dornhelm stars Bud Cort as a documentary filmmaker determined to make a film about the life of the controversial ballet dancer Vaslav Nijinsky. His attempt at objectivity is challenged by Nijinsky's sharp-witted daughter, Kyra,…

Tchaikovsky’s *The Sleeping Beauty* is a beloved ballet that perfectly blends enchantment and technical skill. The story follows a royal court, a Prince's journey to a hidden castle, and joyful celebratory dances featuring characters from other fairy tales. This production,…