BALLETS RUSSES (2005)

Absorbing documentary from Dayna Goldfine & Dan Geller charts the history of the two ballet companies that emerged out of Diaghilev’s fabled Russian/Paris company. While they couldn’t maintain the artistic collaborative heights of the original Ballets Russes (the final decade of the rival companies evinced a sad decline), the film is less about art for the ages than about comradeship & survival. And it’s those survivors from the two companies, still joyously active & vital in their 80s & 90s, who give this marvelous film its tremendous kick. In the dictionary, under joie de vivre, you’ll find their group photo.