NYCB On-Screen by
What's happens behind the scenes when a company the size and stature of New York City Ballet goes on tour?
The vivid documentary Bringing Balanchine Back follows the preparation, anticipation and daily activity of NYCB's 2003 visit to St. Petersburg's Maryinsky Theater, where the company's founder and primary choreographer received his ballet education and launched his career.
Rehearsals, performances and the many ancillary activities involved in the celebration of the city's 300th anniversary are all revealed with plenty of high-caliber performance footage that gives viewers a sense of the company's style and talent level 20 years after Balanchine's death.
The tense saga of then-principal Alexandra Ansanelli preparing for her debut in "Serenade"-and ultimately not performing in it-is fascinating, especially in light of her abrupt departure from the company last year. The imperious, world-famous conductor, Valery Gergiev, who was in the pit leading the Kirov Orchestra for these performances, has an amusing confrontation with NYCB leader Peter Martins when the orchestra uses (and greatly extends) an intermission to get in some additional rehearsal time.