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Behind the scenes at the Paris Opera Ballet

Apr 19th 2010 By Tom Dawson

The latest institutional study from veteran documentarian Frederick Wiseman takes us behind the curtains of the Paris Opera Ballet.

Eschewing interviews and voiceover narration, Wiseman instead concentrates on the work of the choreographers and dancers in rehearsals and performances, offering an intimate glimpse into the arduous physical process of artistic creation.

Even if you don’t know your pliés from your jétes, it’s impossible not to be impressed by the athleticism, agility and stamina on display, though the star of the show is the ballet’s imperious artistic director, Brigitte Lefèvre.