Balanchine Essays: Passe and Attitude

Balanchine Essays: Passe and Attitude is a stunning exploration of the world of ballet, specifically focusing on the delicate ballet positions of passé and attitude as articulated through the lens of the world-renowned choreographer George Balanchine. Released in 1994, this film is part of the admirable nine-part series, "The Balanchine Essays," which aims to offer viewers a deeper understanding of Balanchine's remarkable ballet choreography.

Balanchine, who was one of the 20th century's most prolific choreographers, possessed a unique style that became the archetype for the neo-classical ballet movement. This film, along with the whole series, is meant to teach and preserve the choreographic style and approach of George Balanchine, who has significantly influenced the world of ballet. With its focus on the positions of passé and attitude, this film demonstrates how these core movements are exemplified and evolved within Balanchine's remarkable repertoire.

The Balanchine Essays are introduced by two former principals of the New York City Ballet, Merrill Ashley and Suki Schorer. Both women were key dancers during Balanchine's reign at the NYCB and worked closely with the renowned choreographer. In this specific essay, they discus and demonstrate the theory, technique, and practice behind the ballet positions of passé and attitude, enriching viewers' understanding by sharing their direct experiences and knowledge.

Passe and Attitude, are two critical positions in ballet which lend themselves to an array of movements and positions. Passe refers to the action where the foot of the working leg passes the knee of the supporting leg. Attitude, on the other hand, is a posed position where one leg is lifted in either the front (devant), back (derrière), or to the side (à la seconde) while the other supports the body’s weight.

In this elegant essay, Ashley and Schorer meticulously dissect the execution of these positions, pointing out how Balanchine’s deployment of these positions separates him from other choreographers. Balanchine's interpretation of these essential ballet positions is unique, emphasizing the distinct qualities he required in his dancers like energy, speed, and precision.

The film is not simply a spectacular showcase of dance but also serves as a rich educational tool. Subtle changes in technique and execution are highlighted, and the film meticulously shows the minute details that transform the traditional ballet positions into a Balanchine ballet masterpiece. The film comprises a series of demonstrations, with the dancers performing short combinations that elucidate the unique style of Balanchine. Such demonstrations offer viewers an intimate glimpse into the fine distinctions that set Balanchine's style apart from others.

Moreover, the film is shot with close-ups and different angles, providing the audience an enhanced visual experience and a better perspective on each movement's detail, flow, and coordination. This emphasis on detail is particularly beneficial for dance students and professional dancers seeking to understand and incorporate Balanchine's techniques into their repertoire. The film's direct, clear, and analytical approach toward explaining Balanchine’s choreography will also appeal to dance educators.

Nonetheless, for individuals simply interested in the beauty of ballet, the Balanchine Essays: Passe and Attitude remains an enchanting watch. The film encapsulates the beauty, grace, and athletic rigors of ballet, rendering every pirouette, every leap, every pointed toe with exquisite precision.

Overall, Balanchine Essays: Passe and Attitude is both a tribute to the brilliance of George Balanchine and a valuable resource for understanding and appreciating the intricacies of his work. Its insights into the positions of passé and attitude through Balanchine’s lens offers an extraordinary exploration of ballet that both existing fans and newcomers to dance will find enlightening and deeply satisfying.