In Balanchine's Classroom

Released Sep 17, 2021

1h 29m

Documentary

Biography

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9 Reviews

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IN BALANCHINE'S CLASSROOM takes us back to the glory years of Balanchine's New York City Ballet through the remembrances of his former dancers and their quest to fulfill the vision of a genius. Opening the door to his studio, Balanchine's private laboratory, they reveal new facets of the groundbreaking choreographer: taskmaster, mad scientist, and spiritual teacher. Today, as his former dancers teach a new generation, questions arise: what was the secret of his teaching? Can it be replicated? Filled with never before seen archival footage of Balanchine at work during rehearsals, classes, and in preparation for his most seminal works, along with interviews with many of his adored and adoring dancers and those who try to carry on his legacy today, this is Balanchine as you have never seen him, and a film for anyone who loves ballet and the creative process.

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Robert Abele

Los Angeles Times

The intimacy, warmth and humor of the memories give the footage of him teaching the feeling of watching home movies from the adoring offspring of a cherished father.

Sep 24, 2021

Full Review

Teo Bugbee

New York Times

In mathematics, there was Newton; in psychology, there was Freud; and in American ballet, George Balanchine was a foundational genius.

Sep 16, 2021

Full Review

Pat Mullen

POV Magazine

While the archive often illuminates the laudatory interviews, it inevitably has a certainly flatness that leaves something to be desired.

Dec 17, 2021

Full Review

Susan Granger

www.susangranger.com

Aimed specifically at balletomanes, Connie Hochman's documentary is exquisite and energetic, filled with never-before-seen archival footage.

Rated: 8/10

Oct 4, 2021

Full Review

Charles Solomon

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

Maybe the film is a little long, but it's a real portrait of dance at it's finest.

Sep 29, 2021

Full Review

Dennis Harvey

48 Hills

I don't like traditional ballet all that much. But I do like Balanchine, who more than anyone dragged that art form into the 20th century; and if you like (let alone love) either this specific choreographer or his medium in general, you'll likely enjoy...

Sep 28, 2021

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Jef W

To learn more about the legacy and background of Mr. Balanchines art makes Me an even bigger fan!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/22/21

Full Review

Robert S

Some great clips, but clumsy script with multiple false endings.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

12/13/23

Full Review

Audience Member

What do the filmmakers actually have to say about Balanchine's class? It was an experiment in dance. Do we know if doing 64 tendus is actually helpful? the truth is, today's training is far more effective in producing great dancers but we don't see this topic discussed in the film. I enjoyed the movie but it is really just more praise heaped on a man that most already agree was a genius. for anyone interested in ballet it is worthwhile. but where was gelsey? or Peter martins? Or Suzanne Farrell? hard to figure out why we didn't hear from these dancers. oh, well, you can't please everyone I guess.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/26/23

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Connie Hochman

Director

Connie Hochman

Producer

Mark Hochman

Producer

Tom Hurwitz

Cinematographer

Anne Fratto

Film Editing

Chris Hajian

Original Music

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In Balanchine's Classroom: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

IN BALANCHINE'S CLASSROOM takes us back to the glory years of Balanchine's New York City Ballet through the remembrances of his former dancers and their quest to fulfill the vision of a genius. Opening the door to his studio, Balanchine's private laboratory, they reveal new facets of the groundbreaking choreographer: taskmaster, mad scientist, and spiritual teacher. Today, as his former dancers teach a new generation, questions arise: what was the secret of his teaching? Can it be replicated? Filled with never before seen archival footage of Balanchine at work during rehearsals, classes, and in preparation for his most seminal works, along with interviews with many of his adored and adoring dancers and those who try to carry on his legacy today, this is Balanchine as you have never seen him, and a film for anyone who loves ballet and the creative process.

Director: Connie Hochman
Producer: Connie Hochman, Mark Hochman
Distributor: Kino Lorber, Zeitgeist Films
Production Co: IBC Productions
Genre: Documentary, Biography
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 17, 2021, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 16, 2021
Box Office (Gross USA): $9.9K
Runtime: 1h 29m

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