In Balanchine's Classroom

In Balanchine's Classroom is a laudable 2021 cinematic documentary that delves deep into the classroom of George Balanchine, the towering figure who reshaped the art of ballet with his innovative choreography and formed the New York City Ballet. At the heart of this 88-minute ballet documentary are the master's former students, such as Merrill Ashley and Jacques d'Amboise, who vivaciously narrate their experience in Balanchine's ballet classes.

The documentary is a poignant reminder that the man behind the iconic dance masterpieces was not just the creative maverick many see from the audience's perspective, but also an inspiring teacher-a figure who spent numerous hours in the classroom, striving relentlessly to pass down his profound knowledge of the art form. Amidst the routine of pliés and tendus, Balanchine nurtured a new understanding of ballet and imbued his students with an unrivaled sense of discipline, commitment, and appreciation for the art.

The film, quite cleverly structured and edited by filmmaker Connie Hochman, intertwines thrilling snippets of archival footage with contemporary interviews of Balanchine's former students and dance peers. Herein emerges a moving portrait of Balanchine the teacher, a dance virtuoso whose passion transcends beyond the dance steps he so meticulously taught. It's a testament to his ability to mold dancers who not just adorn the stage but become the medium that channels the essence of ballet itself.

Protagonists Merrill Ashley and Jacques d'Amboise offer affectionate accounts of their time under Balanchine's tutelage. Their shared experiences, coupled with unique insights, in many ways, construct the essence of the film. Viewer's experience their joys and struggles, captivated by the sincere reverence they held for Balanchine.

Ashley, who was a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet for over three decades, dedicated her career to mastering the choreography and style of Balanchine. Her personal testament to Balanchine's impact on her life and career further highlights the profound influence he had on the world of ballet through his teachings. Similarly, d'Amboise, a celebrated danseur, illuminates how Balanchine's demanding yet rewarding pedagogy pushed him to the zenith of his capabilities as a dancer.

Hochman does a commendable job in presenting Balanchine's teachings, which became the basis for a new style of ballet, noted for its speed, precision, and musicality. She offers insight into the significance of these qualities in Balanchine's choreography and shows how they reflect the mid-20th-century modernist aesthetics. Slow-motion analysis of dance sequences intersperses with testimonials, further revealing Balanchine's unique qualities as a choreographer and teacher.

The documentary also manages to dissipate a myth that Balanchine was a stern and unapproachable figure. Instead, it brings out his humor, his fondness for his students, his charisma, his insatiable curiosity, and his childlike pleasure in witnessing the magic of dance unfold. His Russian origins seep through in his teaching methods, wherein the essence of dance was not to mimic but to understand and embody the music.

A true revelation of the documentary comes in exploring Balanchine's philosophy that every gesture in ballet must have meaning, every move an intention. This resounding principle reflects Balanchine's legacy as the person who revolutionized ballet, steering it away from its historical reliance on storytelling and visual elements and making it more about the dance itself and its ability to express emotion through motion.

In Balanchine's Classroom is an unforgettable journey into the closed world of professional ballet as seen through the lens of a legendary figure. It's a cinematic experience that captivates viewers, not minding whether they are seasoned ballet aficionados or neophytes to the dance form, as it demystifies the complexity of ballet technique and enriches understanding of dance.

Undeniably, the film is an exalting homage to George Balanchine. Simultaneously, it manages to be about so much more: the discipline and dedication, the exhilarating struggle of perfecting one's art, and the essential devotion to craft that makes any great work of art come to life. For those passionate about dance, In Balanchine's Classroom offers a profound contemplation on the craft, and for others, it provides an eye-opening journey into a world where perfection is pursued relentlessly. It is the tale of an extraordinary dance maestro, and of ballet itself, unfolding in compelling harmony.