Since its founding in 1937, the Moiseyev Dance Company has been one of the leading folklore dance companies in the world—members undergo training in classical ballet, folk dance, acrobatics, and instrumental studies for five years before being admitted into the troupe—and the results speak for themselves: few ensembles shine this brightly while performing so many different styles of dance. Videotaped live at the Congress Hall in Moscow as part of the 1980 Olympics, Moiseyev Dance Company: A Gala Evening features dances from Russia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, and Moldavia, as well as some Soviet-era kitsch in the form of a choreographed soccer match. The performances are spectacular; unfortunately, the technical quality is not: the presentation is marred by gritty images, tinny sound, and low lighting levels (parts of the Moldavian excerpt are extremely dark). Still, the performances make this a fine choice for collections with an interest in dance and/or folk traditions, even if the technical limitations may put off less historically-minded viewers. DVD extras include a brief history of the company and a photo gallery. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (J. Holland)
Moiseyev Dance Company: A Gala Evening
(1980) 70 min. DVD: $19.98. V.I.E.W. Video. Color cover. ISBN: 0-8030-2205-0. Volume 21, Issue 5
Moiseyev Dance Company: A Gala Evening
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