American Ballet Theatre: A History

American Ballet Theatre: A History is an insightful film from 2015 that explores the rich lineage of the American Ballet Theatre, a premier classical ballet company based in New York City. One of the three leading classical ballet companies in the United States, the fraught inception, growth, and artistic maturation of the company forms the essence of the narrative, bringing to the forefront not just human stories, but the evolution of an American cultural institution.

This documentary feature is made distinct by the participation of two notable figures – Jennifer Homans and Kevin McKenzie. Renowned historian and dance critic, Jennifer Homans, known widely for her expansive writings on the history of ballet, brings her deep understanding of the art and its sociocultural implications to the discourse. Kevin McKenzie, a celebrated dancer and the artistic director of the American Ballet Theatre, offers an insider perspective on the journey and artistic ethos of the institution.

The film chronicles the Ballet company's journey from its humble beginning in 1939, through the tumultuous war and post-war years, until the present times. It encapsulates the company's continuous endeavor to showcase ballet as not merely a traditional dance form but as a dynamic, living art that evolves with time and reflects the society it represents.

The narrative strings together the fascinating tale of the American Ballet Theatre's growth, featuring archival footages of performances and behind-the-scenes preparation. Through old photographs, interviews, and footage, the film impressively unveils the tale of determination, perspiration and unwavering spirit of the ballet dancers, who have etched their names in the annals of the Ballet’s history. There are intricate details and anecdotes shared, offering not just factual data, but insights into the working process of these artists, their resilience, and the aesthetic vision behind the performances.

The film pays homage to significant figures who were instrumental in steering the company's course through the years. These include luminaries like Lucia Chase and Oliver Smith, who co-directed the company for an impressive 35 years, shaping its path and helping it achieve the iconic status it enjoys today.

Despite its focus on history, the film remains remarkably contemporary. Intertwining insightful commentary from Homans and McKenzie with vibrant performances from the company, the film breathtakingly showcases the artistic grandeur of this esteemed institution. The documentary also captures the company's commitment to innovation, diversity, and inclusion in all their ballet productions, reflecting its motto of representing American culture.

American Ballet Theatre: A History pays unique attention to the endurance and refinement of the art form. It provides a platform for understanding the transformative power of ballet as it maps the alterations in aesthetic constructs, shifts in creative directions, and changes in audiences' perception over the years. The film also emphasizes the role of the ballet company in democratizing the art form and contributing significantly to the American cultural scene.

The documentary breathes life into the prolonged history spanning over 75 years, revealing the world of ballet in all its beauty and rigor. Director Ric Burns employs a deft blend of historical narration, artistic commentary, and vivid ballet performances that immerse the audience in the mesmerizing world of ballet, ensuring an engaging watch for dance enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.

The cinematography effectively captures the grace and precision of ballet, forming sweeping arcs of visual storytelling that mirror the eloquent arcs the ballet dancers form with their bodies. The performances punctuated in the narrative enable the audiences to witness the manifesting philosophy, mirrored in the fluid movements and precision of the dancers, reinforcing the organic and symbiotic relationship between the physicality and conceptuality of the art form.

In essence, American Ballet Theatre: A History is more than a historical chronicle. It's an emotional journey into the life of a legendary American institution and a one-of-a-kind exploration to the heart of ballet. It's a film about bodies moving in space and time, about the lengths to which artists go in their quest for perfection, and about the indomitable spirit of the American Ballet Theatre. This documentary, with its beautified insights and rewarding perspectives, is a must-watch for anyone interested in the art of Ballet or the mechanics of masterful performance art.