Making Ballet: Karen Kain & The National Ballet of Canada

Filmmaker Anthony Azzopardi goes behind-the-scenes with Karen Kain, James Kudelka, and the National Ballet of Canada to capture the drama within the drama, with this fascinating look at the making of the Modern Dance Ballet “The Actress,” in this fascinating documentary DVD entitled Making Ballet: Karen Kain and The National Ballet of Canada.

 

Set to Frederic Chopin’s Preludes, and arranged for a full orchestra, The Actress was created for Canada’s prima ballerina Karen Kain, by its premier choreographer James Kudelka, who is hailed by the New York Times as “one of the best choreographers in the world.” This universal film presents the creation of a new dance work, fostering a greater understanding for those who have never before seen a ballet, as well as aficionados of the art form.

 

Beginning with the first rehearsal, we witness the growing rapport between the choreographer and the dancers (Karen Kain, Rex Harrington, Martine Lamy and others). We see how the famous set designer Santo Loquasto conceives and executes his brilliant designs. We enjoy insights from Karen Kain into her character and the art of ballet. The DVD also covers topics such as stage director John Copley’s objective, the dancers training, adding the music to the production, and the first dress rehearsal, all leading to the final staging in which the elements come together in a magnificent, seemingly-effortless production.

 

"This film captures the inspiration, hard work, artistry, creativity and cooperation that combine to create magic in the theater." - Library Journal