[Arthaus 100192] FONTEYN, Margot: Portrait (A)

Arthaus DVD Trailer: FONTEYN, Margot: A Portrait
(Arthaus 100192)
More Info.: http://www.naxos.com/catalogue/item.asp?item_code=100192

A Portrait, Produced and Directed by Patricia Foy. With Frederick Ashton, Ida Bromley, Robert Gottlieb, Nicola Kathak, Audrey King, Robert Helpmann, Rudolf Nureyev, Ninette de Valois.

The name Margot Fonteyn (1919-1991) was a decisive force in British ballet for over forty years. She was one of the truly great dancers of the twentieth century long before the wonderful partnership with Rudolf Nureyev, which did not begin until the autumn of her career. All those fortunate enough to have seen her dancing will never forget the experience.

Until 1989 Margot Fonteyn simply refused to take part in TV documentaries about her. But eventually the producer Patricia Foy managed to convince her to tell us her life story in front of the cameras. An exceptional portrait, recorded two years before she died, this is the only existing personal account on film that she ever gave of her life and career. Ninette de Valois, Frederick Ashton, Robert Helpman and Rudolf Nureyev - the four most important people by her side - also contribute their own reminiscences to this truly fascinating life story. Numerous recordings of the prima ballerina dancing also allow us to experience her once more in some of her great roles.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• classical
• dvd
• arthaus
• musik
• margot
• fonteyn
• 100192

[aintnospoon]

Grace in movement with magnificent technical skill as well.

[zdiversable]

@jgh37 She didn't need over extension. Her musicality, grace, expresive arms, and acting is all. Imagine that! The greastest ballerina that ever lived! Suck on that!

[vanjw]

her biggest talent was to convey love and emotion, which for me is the most engaging reason to watch anyone on stage. Gymnastic extensions come second in the long term without emotion.

[erinundra]

@jgh37

Thank you. I occasionally need reminding why I left there, and live here.

[jgh37]

Profound?...let's call it common sense. On another note, the last thing I want when I dance next is to have someone from Australia (!!) critique my dancing.

[erinundra]

@jgh37

Thank you for the sage advice. Very profound.

Next time you are performing your solo at Covent Garden be sure to let me know.

I'll whiz over and critique your extensions.

[jgh37]

I really feel sorry for you..it must be such an ordeal for you to watch Diana Vishneva perform her circus-like act....or Lopatkina, Somova, Tereshkina, Pavlenko, Makhalina, Herrera, Lacarra, Alexandrova etc. etc. for that matter, that I think you should concentrate on watching real ballet on video and give up contemporary 'colourless show of acrobatic' performances. Despite your narrowmindedness I wish you well in your quest for real art.

[erinundra]

@jgh37

extensions? This was when ballet was art, not a cold colourless show of acrobatics like it is today, performed by anorexic gymnasts.

[jgh37]

she had everything?....where are the extensions?

[c5869y]

She was good in the setting of her time; clearly her critiques thought she was wonderful. Compared to modern ballerinas her technique is limited. However, look at the pictures of very plump Victorian dancers barley managing to stand on point. and compare them to Margot Fonteyn! Male dancers of the 50s and earlier - interesting!