Anne Linsel's documentary offers an inspiring record of how a group of ordinary German teens spent 10 months mastering a complicated dance work, and also celebrates the late Pina Bausch (1940-2009), a dedicated teacher and remarkable choreographer. Dancing Dreams testifies to Bausch's outreach efforts in Wuppertal, the German city where she directed her Dance Theatre from 1973 until her death. Bausch and rehearsal directors Jo Ann Endicott and Benedicte Billiet are shown patiently but firmly coaxing uninhibited, expressive performances of sequences from Bausch's 1978 ballet Kontakthof (Contact Zone) from a group of 40 students, aged 14 to 18, ultimately selecting those who will perform the piece. Interwoven with the rehearsal footage are snippets from interviews with some of the young participants, who describe how giving themselves over to the verve of Bausch's conception helped them to overcome initial trepidation and find joy in joining others in the creation of something beautiful. Dancing Dreams is a marvelous paean to the exhilaration of artistic discovery that also underscores the achievements of one of the masters of modern dance. DVD extras include an interview with Bausch, a text bio, director's notes, and a photo gallery. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (F. Swietek)
Dancing Dreams
(2010) 89 min. In German w/English subtitles. DVD: $27.95. First Run Features (avail. from most distributors). Volume 26, Issue 2
Dancing Dreams
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