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Strictly Bolshoi: Creating a New Ballet—A Documentary

49 minutes 49 seconds

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Produced by former Royal Ballet dancers Michael Nunn and William Trevitt, this documentary takes viewers inside the creative process of British choreographer Christopher Wheeldon-and the immense challenges he faces in bringing a new piece to life for Russia's Bolshoi Theatre. Wheeldon's initial idea of presenting Hamlet as a ballet arouses great interest, but when he ventures into more abstract territory, principal dancer Nicolai Tsiskaridze drops out of the project. Managerial and design difficulties arise as well, but with renewed enthusiasm from other dancers and the unanticipated involvement of the filmmakers themselves, Wheeldon's work emerges as a triumph.

Media Details

Runtime: 49 minutes 49 seconds

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Ballerina performing on stage stands on the ball of 1 foot as she raises her other leg slightly off the ground. Her arms are straight and extended down and slightly back. A male dancer stands behind her and in position, ready to lift her.
Strictly Bolshoi
Episode 1
27 minutes 23 seconds
Grade Level: 7 - 12
2 men sit in front of barres and mirrors in a ballet studio. They are turned towards each other smiling, laughing, and speaking. Caption. And best friends with Chris since he choreographed with us.
Strictly Bolshoi
Episode 2
49 minutes 49 seconds
Grade Level: 9 - 12