Watch A footnote in ballet history ?

A footnote in ballet history is a documentary film that highlights the life and career of Magda Saleh, the prima ballerina of Egypt in the 1960s and 1970s. The film is directed by Hisham Abdel Khalek and was released in 2016. The film features interviews with Saleh, as well as archival footage of her performances, rehearsals, and other aspects of her life in ballet.

The documentary presents a rare and fascinating glimpse into the world of ballet in Egypt during the 1960s and 1970s, a time when ballet was not widely practiced or appreciated in the country. However, Saleh's talent and dedication helped to establish ballet as a legitimate form of dance in Egypt and paved the way for other dancers to follow in her footsteps.

Throughout the film, we see Saleh's journey from a young dancer into a celebrated ballerina, performing in some of the most prestigious ballet productions in the world. Her achievements include performing lead roles in productions such as Giselle, Swan Lake, and The Nutcracker, which brought her international recognition and acclaim.

The documentary also explores Saleh's role as the director of the Cairo Opera Ballet Company, which she founded in 1966 with the aim of promoting and advancing ballet in Egypt. Through interviews with former dancers and colleagues, we get a glimpse of Saleh's leadership style and the challenges she faced in running the company.

The film also touches on the cultural and political significance of Saleh's career. Ballet was seen as a Western import and was often viewed with suspicion in Egypt, particularly during the era of President Nasser's regime. Saleh's success challenged these perceptions and helped to establish ballet as an art form that could be celebrated and appreciated in Egypt.

We also see how Saleh's career intersected with some of the major political and cultural events of her time. For example, Saleh was performing in New York City during the 1973 Yom Kippur War, and her performance of Giselle was interpreted as a symbol of peace and hope during a time of conflict.

The film features interviews with Saleh's colleagues and contemporaries, including Diane Hakak and Aleya Abdel Razek, both of whom were part of the Cairo Opera Ballet Company under Saleh's leadership. Their recollections and insights help to provide a fuller picture of Saleh's life and legacy.

Overall, A footnote in ballet history is a compelling and inspiring documentary that sheds light on a little-known chapter of ballet history. It celebrates the talent and achievements of Magda Saleh, one of Egypt's most accomplished and influential ballerinas, and provides insight into the cultural and political context within which she worked. The film is a tribute to Saleh's enduring legacy and a testament to the power of art to transcend borders and bring people together.

A footnote in ballet history ? is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.