La Danse: Le Ballet de l’Opéra de Paris

Dir. Frederick Wiseman, 2009, 158min, DCP

In memoriam of Frederick Wiseman, the great American filmmaker and part-time Paris resident, we present three of his cinematic portraits of French culture. First up, the extraordinary La Danse, to be followed by Crazy Horse and Menus-Plaisirs – Les Troisgros in June and July.

“Yes, this is one of the finest dance films ever made, but there’s more to it than that.” — A.O. Scott, The New York Times

“The Paris Opera Ballet is one of the world’s great ballet companies. The film follows the rehearsals and performances of seven ballets: Genus by Wayne McGregor, Le Songe de Medée by Angelin Preljocaj, La Maison de Bernarda by Mats Ek, Paquita by Pierre Lacotte, Casse Noisette by Rudolph Nureyev, Orphée and Eurydice by Pina Bausch, and Romeo and Juliette by Sasha Waltz.In the film we see the work involved in leading and administering the company and the collaborative work of choreographers, ballet masters, dancers, musicians, and costume, set, and lighting designers.” — Zipporah Films