Ballerina: A Portrait of Five Exceptional Russian Ballerinas

BALLERINA is Bertrand Normand's beautiful portrait of five ballerinas from Russia’s renowned Mariinsky Theatre, (formerly known as the Kirov). These premiere dance artists leap from rehearsal halls to international stages as they re-invent classical ballet and enchant audiences worldwide in this "surprisingly intimate portrait of what it means to be a ballerina” (Time Out New York).

The Kirov Theatre has produced many of the world’s finest choreographers and dancers including Anna Pavlova, Vaslav Nijinsky, Rudolf Nureyev, Mikael Baryshnikov, and Natalia Makarova. Now, The Mariinsky Theatre, under the artistic direction of the legendary Valery Gergiev, brings us to a new generation of rising stars: Alina Somova, Svetlana Zakharova, Diana Vishneva, Ulyana Lopatkina and Evgenia Obraztsova - tough, insightful and exceptionally talented women, each with her own personal hopes, dreams and career-changing challenges. From leaving school to coming-back from a crippling injury, their journeys reflect unique components of the ballerina’s experience.

Weaving intimate interviews with rehearsal studio footage, BALLERINA also shows scenes from famous ballets such as Marius Petipa’s Paquita, Swan Lake and La Bayadère, as well as George Balanchine’s Diamonds, Michael Fokine’s Schéhérazade and Lavrovsky’s Romeo and Juliet. This distinctive documentary captures the sublime beauty of the ballerina in all her glory, and reveals the country where she still shines - Russia, the land of the ballerina par excellence.

Praise for Bertrand Normand’s BALLERINA

[4/4 stars] “Enchanting… a chronicle sure to mesmerize anyone with an obsession for the relentlessly rigorous, convent-like world of classical ballet.”(Heidi Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times)

*Critic’s Pick* “A striking lesson in ballet's rigorous aesthetic alchemy.” (Michelle Orange, Village Voice)

“Even folks who don't know their right foot from their left will find inspiration in the lives of these devoted dancers.” –V.A. Musetto, The New York Post

“A perfect complement to Ballets Russes.” (Ronnie Scheib, Variety)

“Dance aficionados will be sent over the moon by this compelling documentary.” (Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune)

“Telling...fascinating...has captured the fragility and ferocity of five Mariinsky ballerinas. A surprisingly intimate portrait of what it means to be a ballerina.” (Gia Kourlas, Time Out New York)

“Ballerina parts the curtain on a rarefied realm where the bodies of young girls are stretched, twisted and sent floating on air according to the dictates of a severe and beautiful cult…The world it reveals — elegant and harsh, glamorous and grinding, classical and obsolete — proves rich in exquisite contradictions.” (Nathan Lee, New York Times)

“Sublime performances…a skillfully written and entertaining documentary that is also a clever investigation into the professional lives of the world’s best dancers.” –Maria Garcia, Film Journal International “A revelation.” (R.M. Campbell, Seattle Post-Intelligencer)

“A fascinating glimpse… an indispensable treat.” (Sally Kline, Washington Examiner)

“Jewel of a documentary… the camera tells a deeply moving story…artfully filmed…eye-opening scenes…” (Sarah Kaufman, Washington Post)

“Elegant cuts, gorgeous, graceful performances …Even those skeptical of ballet will likely be entranced…mesmerizing.” (Tricia Olszewski, Washington City Paper)

“Ballet lovers should adore.” (Roslyn Sulcas, New York Times)

"Gorgeous...highlights the ethereal quality of these skillful superstars. Reminiscent of the dancer-dreaming paintings of Degas." (Elliot V. Kotek, Moving Pictures)

“Beguiling documentary about the art and dedication of five young Russian ballerinas…refreshing and illuminating.” -Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice

“Rich with ravishing performances. Fans of Ballets Russes will enjoy this resplendent documentary.” (PalmSprings Film Festival)

"Best of fest. Most beautiful." (Gordon Parr, Hollywood.com)

“Endlessly fascinating.” (Kevin Filipski , Times Square)

“Magnificent. A refreshing look at the ballet.” (Lori Henry, Suite 101)

“Fans of this art form will be delighted … an elegant and enlightening view behind the facade of an art form.” (Black Tie St. Louis)

“The contradictions are endless and all so romantic…That something so beautiful can exist in this modern world is, itself, a source of wonder.” (Sara Schieron, Boxoffice)

“Consistently balanced and intimately revelatory. It's a special treat that informs an interested audience aboutwhat goes on in dancers' minds and lives…Behind-the-curtains was never more ravishing.” (Cinema Signals)

“BALLERINA is a beautiful ticket to another world.” (Martha K. Baker, KDHX St. Louis)