Darceys Ballerina Heroines & a Ballerinas Life

Could a balletomane ask for anything better than this, one DVD with two ballet documentaries by one of the greatest ballerinas in ballet history who recently retired and is still in the prime of her life, with great intelligence, wit and charm? I couldn't! These are brand new documentaries and not reissued material. In the first documentary, "Ballerina Heroines", Darcey travels to the great ballet centers of the world to investigate the very origins of ballet from the French courts to the wilds of New York. She also discusses the influence of ballet greats like Petipa, Vaganova, and Balanchine. As the title suggests, she gives us the history of some of ballet's great ballerinas. She visits her native England, France, Russia, and the USA. Unfortunately, she doesn't visit Italy, Denmark, Germany, or Sweden. Well, you can't have everything. Naturally, her modesty prevents her from including herself in the list of great ballerinas. To correct this egregious oversight, we have the second documentary which is Darcey's magnificent biography, from her early years, early family photos and all, to her tearful retirement(done to spend more time with her family and to leave the stage at the height of her career). There are no special features since the two documentaries are essentially a big special feature! The only bad part of this DVD is that it ends! (Please excuse the gushing exuberance.)

As advertised, this DVD contains two full programs. In "Darcey's Ballerina Heroines" Ms. Bussell gives one of the best histories of ballet that I have ever seen. The photographs and recreations of the court dances, as well as early photographs or tintypes of dancers going back to the late 1800's added so much to my personal knowledge - and I have a LOT of books on ballet.In "A Ballerina's Life" we meet many great dancers who have also retired and get a perspective on studying ballet, the struggle, the strife and the climb through the company. Ms. Bussell is also very frank about being treated very poorly when called in as young dancer to be featured in "Prince of the Pagodas."Both programs are enjoyable and well paced. Ms. Bussell is an excellent narrator and shows her wonderful sense of humor.Another one to keep on hand for a rainy night.

For the ballet lover this is a great guide to basic ballet history. It has some vintage footage on great ballerinas from other eras too.It also attempts to show what makes a ballerina special and gives some indication of ballet styles from various countries.Darcey Bussel manages to present this in an entertaining and clear form. A great watch for those who admire ballerinas.

As a member of a Ballet Book Club with some knowledge of the history of ballet, it was fascinating to view Darcey's six greatest ballerinas and then a bio of her life as a young dancer who was only good at one thing - dancing. She is a charming speaker with a great love for her profession. I would recommend the DVD to anyone not only balletomanes..

Obviously I'm a balletomane, so I enjoyed this very much!

For those who want to know more about ballet, Darcey Bussell presents two programmes that were originally shown on television. The first gives valuable background information about the history of ballet; the second provides insight into what it takes to be a principal ballerina. Darcy Bussell is an engaging and extremely knowledgeable presenter; she draws upon her own recent experience at the very top level as a performer. Suitable for anyone who wants to acquire an understanding of the art form.

This is a very entertaining and interesting DVD, and a complete pleasure to watch. In "Darcey's Ballerina Heroines" Darcey Bussell shows us the origins in ballet, and the famous dancers who developed and enhanced the art form. There is some wonderful film footage of Margot Fonteyn, Galina Ulanova, Suzanne Farrell, and Anna Pavlova; also some original choreography of the very first French ballets as they were performed. "A Ballerina's Life" is also delightful, with Darcey Bussell talking about her ballet career from a young child to her retirement, interspersed with clips of her most memorable performances. A must-have DVD for newcomers to ballet, and long-time lovers of the art.

I have thoroughly enjoyed watching this DVD and will watch it many more times in the future, Darcey is amazing.

Bought as a Christmas present. Mum was absolutely blown away.

Christmas Present for Ballet mad Daughter simply loves it watches constantly