Watch In Balanchine's Classroom

In Balanchine's Classroom is a documentary that takes us back in time to the American School of Ballet in the 1960s, where we witness the evolution of dance as we know it today. Named after the father of American ballet, George Balanchine, the film chronicles the development of his revolutionary ballet technique, which transformed the genre into a more spontaneous and organic art form.

The movie features interviews with some of the world's most famous dancers, including Merrill Ashley, Darci Kistler, Suzanne Farrell, and Peter Martins, as well as directors, choreographers, musicians, and art historians. With this all-star cast, the audience is taken on a journey through the history of ballet in America, reflected in the dynamic energy of Balanchine's technique.

Narrated by a host of the original students of the School of American Ballet, the film is an intimate look at the early days of Balanchine's innovations. The students share their personal experiences and thoughts on the impact of Balanchine's teachings on their dance careers and their lives. They also provide a glimpse into the grueling training and rehearsals that went into perfecting the technique.

Through this documentary, we learn that Balanchine didn't just create a new dance style, but he also fostered a new kind of dancer – one who was more versatile and capable of artistic expression. His approach was geared toward creating unique and powerful movements that would challenge the physical limits of dancers while pushing the boundaries of the art form.

The film is filled with anecdotes and archival footage that showcase the beauty of Balanchine's vision. We see performances by dancers in their prime, like Jacques d'Amboise, who talk us through their experiences studying under Balanchine. We see how he challenged them with new and ambitious choreography, how he encouraged their individuality, and how he never settled for anything but their best.

In Balanchine's Classroom also touches on the controversies surrounding Balanchine's approach to training. Critics have noted that his work favors a sublimation of the individual dancer's artistic interpretation, sometimes leading to an impersonal uniformity. Some have even accused him of promoting a cult-like devotion among followers. Through this movie, we get various viewpoints and discussions on the subject, including Balanchine himself, who is seen in interviews explaining his philosophy.

Overall, In Balanchine's Classroom is a must-watch for anyone interested in dance, history, or the creative process. It transports the audience to a magical place where innovation and artistry are combined to produce beautiful expressions of human emotion through movement. It is a celebration of the vision of George Balanchine, whose legacy continues to inspire generations of dancers, choreographers, and audiences.

In Balanchine's Classroom is a 2021 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.