41 Dance Films Exploring Ballet
41 titles
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Sylvia (Royal Ballet)Movie · 2005 · 117mDarcey 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 being abducted by Orion, and ultimately rescued by Eros. This performance was recorded live at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden on December 1st and 5th, 2005.IMDb 7.7TMDB 9.0 - 2
IsadoraMovie · 1968 · 131m · Drama, History, MusicThis 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 advocacy for Soviet principles also distinguished her from the mainstream. Her unconventional beliefs about love, money, clothing, and living defied the norms of her time. The film provides a fascinating look at this pioneering artist, whose impact remains relevant today.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.1 - 3
The Gay ParisianMovie · 1942 · 20m"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 de Monte-Carlo. It received an Academy Award nomination for Best Short Subject (Two-Reel) at the 14th Academy Awards.IMDb 5.7TMDB 4.7 - 4
La Fille Mal Gardée (The Royal Ballet)Movie · 2015 · 135mFrederick 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 Ashton’s most impressive choreography, particularly the lively pas de deux showcasing the lovers' youthful passion, performed by Natalia Osipova and Steven McRae. The ballet is full of lightheartedness and incorporates elements of English folk dance, including dancing chickens, a maypole dance, and a Lancashire clog dance by Philip Mosley for Widow Simone. - 5
Sensation White: 2008 - NetherlandsMovie · 2008 · 100mOn 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 underwater atmosphere.TMDB 4.2 - 6
La Sylphide - The Royal Danish BalletMovie · 1988 · 62mLis 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 Englund plays Madge, a scorned witch and fortune-teller who seeks to ruin James's happiness after he rejects her.TMDB 6.0 - 7
Etoiles: Dancers of the Paris Opera BalletMovie · 2001 · 100mETOILES: 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 such as Maurice Bejart's Ninth Symphony, Jiri Kylian's Doux Mensonge (Sweet Lies), and Pierre Darde's Orison. Director Nils Tavernier explores the inner lives of these performers through candid conversations with prominent dancers. The film also includes interviews with dancers detailing the emotional and physical challenges they face in pursuing their careers and striving for the stage.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.9 - 8
Tales of Beatrix PotterMovie · 1971 · 90mThe 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 Lanchbery, and costume designer Rostislav Douboujinsky. This adaptation tells the story of a young Beatrix Potter and how the toy animals in her room come to life, encouraging her to embrace life. The film features scenes including a lively dance with Tom Thumb and Hunca Munca as they wreck plaster food, a midnight pas de deux between Pigling Bland and Pigwig, and a ballet ensemble of dancing mice.IMDb 6.7TMDB 5.6 - 9
Night JourneyMovie · 1960 · 29m"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 interspersed with ensemble dances. However, the ensemble here takes on a darker role, functioning like the chorus in Greek tragedy, guiding the audience's emotions, primarily towards fear. In this work, Graham refined her signature minimalist style to its fullest extent.IMDb 6.2TMDB 5.3 - 10Great Pas de DeuxMovie · 2004 · 111mThis 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 Cope, Cynthia Harvey and Mikhail Baryshnikov, and others.
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The NutcrackerMovie · 2009 · 127mPeter 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.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.5 - 12
Riot at the RiteMovie · 2005 · 90mIn 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 dislikes Stravinsky's dissonant music, and the dancers dislike Vaslav Nijinsky's unconventional choreography. Nijinsky, who is openly bisexual, has a tense relationship with Sergei Diaghilev, the charismatic and controlling impresario of the Ballet Russes. The audience has high expectations after Nijinsky's previous success. The premiere of 'The Rite of Spring' is met by a highly opinionated Parisian crowd sharply divided in its reaction to the work.IMDb 7.0TMDB 9.0 - 13
Stravinsky and the Ballets Russes: The Firebird / The Rite of SpringMovie · 2009 · 85mThis 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*).IMDb 9.0TMDB 9.0 - 14
El amor brujoMovie · 1986 · 100mIn 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 since childhood, is arrested for helping José and wrongly imprisoned. After four years, he is released and declares his love for her. However, Candela is haunted by a bewitched love and nightly visits the site of José's death to dance with his ghost.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.9 - 15
La Belle: Les Ballets de Monte-CarloMovie · 2002 · 87mThis 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 2002 Danza & Danza Prize for Best Show. - 16Stravinsky: Le Sacre Du PrintempsMovie · 2008 · 40mThe Leipzig Ballet presents Igor Stravinsky's iconic ballet, "The Rite of Spring," choreographed by Uwe Scholz.
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NijinskyMovie · 1980 · 129m · Drama, Music, RomanceThe 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 complicates his life. She subtly pursues him, offering an escape from the partner who has significantly influenced his career. This new connection represents temptation and freedom, pushing him to break free from a controlling situation.
Through this emotional journey, the protagonist confronts his deepest fears and desires, leading to personal growth and a profound transformation. The movie explores themes of love, desire, and self-discovery within the world of art and relationships, creating a compelling atmosphere of tension and beauty.IMDb 6.5TMDB 4.8 - 18
The NutcrackerMovie · 2016 · 90mThis 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 the Land of Sweets, where she faces a battle against the Rat King. - 19
La Fille mal gardéeMovie · 2005 · 112mSince 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 Simone from marrying her daughter to Alain, the son of Farmer Thomas. Osbert Lancaster's vibrant set design and Ferdinand Herold's music, arranged by John Lanchbery, create a charming, rural atmosphere. The ballet features traditional elements like haywains, ponies, and a maypole, along with a clog dance led by William Tuckett as the spirited Widow Simone. - 20
Blast!Movie · 2002 · 120mBLAST! 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 selections including Ravel's "Bolero," Copland's "Appalachian Spring," and Chuck Mangione's "Land of Make Believe." - 21
Black SwanMovie · 2010 · 108m · Drama, Thriller, HorrorA dedicated dancer finds herself battling to stay grounded after landing the principal role in a performance of Tchaikovsky’s "Swan Lake."IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.7 - 22
Appalachian SpringMovie · 1958 · 32mThis film is a recording of Aaron Copland's most celebrated ballet, featuring the original principal dancer who also created the choreography.IMDb 6.4TMDB 4.9 - 23
Romeo and JulietMovie · 1984 · 128mThis is a recording of a ballet performance by The Royal Ballet, filmed at Covent Garden in London, England, in July 1984.IMDb 8.8 - 24
Romeo and JulietMovie · 1966 · 124mA renowned ballet by Kenneth MacMillan, set to the music of Sergei Prokofiev.IMDb 7.1TMDB 8.0 - 25
The NutcrackerMovie · 2008 · 88mThis 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 midnight, the toys come to life, and after Masha helps the Nutcracker defeat attacking mice, he takes her to his kingdom, where he is revealed to be a handsome Prince. The Prince and Masha fall deeply in love, but their happy ending takes a dark and unusual turn.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.5 - 26
The NutcrackerMovie · 1977 · 78mMikhail 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.IMDb 8.2TMDB 8.6 - 27
The Sleeping BeautyMovie · 1983 · 166mThis 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 christening. Featuring Irina Kolpakova, the performance is a captivating retelling of the beloved tale.IMDb 6.7 - 28
Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker!Movie · 2003 · 88mOn 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.IMDb 7.4TMDB 8.0 - 29
GirlMovie · 2018 · 105m · DramaA talented teenage dancer joins a renowned ballet academy as she navigates her feelings about her gender identity.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.2 - 30
Appalachian SpringMovie · 1944 · 32mThis 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 disrupted by the looming threat of war, but they discover comfort and shared optimism in a final, communal celebration.IMDb 5.3TMDB 6.0 - 31The Sleeping BeautyMovie · 2008 · 135m
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The Diaries of Vaslav NijinskyMovie · 2002 · 95mThis 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 wife.IMDb 6.4TMDB 3.6 - 33
An American in ParisMovie · 1951 · 113m · Music, Romance, ComedyIn 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 Parisian social circles. Jerry finds an unexpected friend in Milo Roberts, a reserved woman from high society who becomes very interested in him. Her motives, however, are unclear, leading to a story about love, ambition, and finding oneself.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.0 - 34
Swan LakeMovie · 1957 · 80mThis 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 Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov.IMDb 7.8 - 35
Swan LakeMovie · 2010 · 139mBallerina 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.IMDb 7.5TMDB 8.0 - 36
Afternoon of a Faun: Tanaquil Le ClercqMovie · 2014 · 91mTanaquil 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 Jerome Robbins, she achieved immense fame and adoration as the leading dancer of her era. However, her life was abruptly altered at 27 when she contracted polio, leaving her paralyzed and unable to dance. Her story has resonated throughout the ballet world ever since.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.4 - 37Up to MeMovie · 2015 · 28mMilan 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 believes he is the dancer Nijinsky. He joins them as they flee through the streets of Paris, performing his final ballet. As Milan searches for Nola, he follows them across bridges and through streets, along the roads and along the Seine, trying to understand her mysterious disappearance.IMDb 5.6
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In Her HandsMovie · 2019 · 11mThis dance film draws inspiration from the lives and art of Camille Claudel and Auguste Rodin. - 39
Coppelia - The Kirov BalletMovie · 1993This 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 by the Kirov Ballet. - 40
She Dances AloneMovie · 1981 · 87mIn *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, who fiercely controls the project. Her uncompromising vision dramatically shapes – and often distorts – the film's narrative. Max Von Sydow also appears, playing a version of himself, adding to the film’s unsettling atmosphere.IMDb 6.3 - 41
The Sleeping BeautyMovie · 2006 · 141mTchaikovsky’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, designed in 1946 for The Royal Ballet, beautifully captures these scenes. A successful revival in 2006, along with a high-definition recording, celebrates The Royal Ballet’s distinctive style and stunning visuals.IMDb 7.8TMDB 6.2
