Research Catalog

Details

Additional authors

1. Helgi Tómasson, 1942-
2. Christensen, Willam F. (Willam Farr)
3. Christensen, Harold, 1904-1989
4. Caccialanza, Gisella, 1914-1998
5. Morris, Mark, 1956-
6. Kalsey, Bob
7. Coyote, Peter
8. Dennick, Stacey
9. San Francisco Ballet.
10. Bravura Films.

Description

1. 1 videodisc (NTSC) (52 min.) : sd., col.; 4 3/4 in.

Summary

1. This documentary celebrates San Francisco Ballet on the occasion of its seventy-fifth anniversary and recounts the company's history. The film explores the foundation of the company and the contribution of the Christensen brothers, Willam, Harold and Lew, whose careers significantly influenced the development of ballet in America. Archival footage of performances and choreography by Lew Christensen is included, along with discussion of his relationship with George Balanchine. The history continues with the company's periodic financial difficulties, including a major crises in the 1970s that inspired the "Save Our Ballet" campaign; the opening of the company's new permanent home; the contributions of resident choreographer Michael Smuin; and the arrival of current artistic director Helgi Tomasson. The film concludes with an assessment of the company's current success, international profile, touring schedule, school and community outreach efforts. Comments from former dancers and trustees, along with extensive archival footage, are interspersed throughout.

Subject

1. Christensen, Lew, 1909-1984
2. Christensen, Willam F
3. Christensen, Harold, 1904-1989
4. Helgi Tómasson, 1942-
5. Smuin, Michael
6. San Francisco Ballet > History
7. Ballet companies > California > San Francisco > History

Genre/Form

1. Video.
2. Dance.
3. Documentaries and factual works.

Call number

1. *MGZIDVD 5-3998

Credits (note)

1. Narrated by Peter Coyote.
2. Interviewees include Willam Christensen, Harold Christensen, Gisella Caccialanza Christensen, Helgi Tomasson, Mark Morris.

Title

1. San Francisco Ballet at seventy-five [videorecording] / [presented by] Bravura Films, Inc. ; produced by Stacey Dennick ; written and directed by Bob Kalsey.

Imprint

1. 2007.

Country of producing entity

1. U.S.

Credits

1. Narrated by Peter Coyote.
2. Interviewees include Willam Christensen, Harold Christensen, Gisella Caccialanza Christensen, Helgi Tomasson, Mark Morris.

Local note

1. For the accompanying book, see *MGTB (U.S.) 08-1824.

Added author

1. Helgi Tómasson, 1942- interviewee.
2. Christensen, Willam F. (Willam Farr), interviewee.
3. Christensen, Harold, 1904-1989, interviewee.
4. Caccialanza, Gisella, 1914-1998, interviewee.
5. Morris, Mark, 1956- interviewee.
6. Kalsey, Bob, director.
7. Coyote, Peter, narrator.
8. Dennick, Stacey, producer.
9. San Francisco Ballet.
10. Bravura Films.

Research call number

1. *MGZIDVD 5-3998