Ballet Of The Xxth Century Grand Pas In White Night

A remarkable meeting of two of the great choreographers and impresarios - and two of the great dance companies - of the modern age: Maurice Béjart's groundbreaking Ballet of the XXth Century; and the magisterial Kirov Ballet, directed by Oleg Vinogradov. In a series of performances in the beautiful palaces, parks, and riverbank walkways of Leningrad, dancers rehearse and perform fifteen pieces, ranging from the grand, classical style of 'The Shades,' 'Don Quixote,' and 'The Nutcracker' to stark and edgy modernism in Béjart's 'Romeo and Juliet' and 'Le Sacre du Printemps.' The pieces are performed during Leningrad's 'white nights' - the long twilight that comes with summer solstice. Along with moments of stunning dancing, the program documents the amazing creative process achieved by the dancers, their directors, and film crews during ten intense days of rehearsal, performance, and shooting. Discussions with both Béjart and Vinogradov reveal the artists' mutual respect - and Béjart actually works up an entirely new piece, with great spontaneity, just for the occasion. A fascinating and beautiful cultural and creative exchange. NTSC - All regions - Dolby Surround 5.1 & Dolby Digital, Approx. 65 mins.