La Danse

The documentary-maker Frederick Wiseman is the master of letting subjects speak for themselves, without voice-over, music or story. Here his silent gaze lands on the magnificent Paris Opera Ballet, a giant organism that slowly reveals all its hidden extremities. He visits the rehearsal rooms, where seven different pieces are being painstakingly prepared; the director’s office, where delicate personnel wrinkles are smoothed out; the costume room, where minute beads are sewn onto tutus; the galas, where corporate egos are fluffed; and finally we see highlights of the pieces on stage, the hard work translated into supreme artistry. It’s a chance to watch some of the world’s greatest dancers at work, close up; their tutors are no less impressive. Look out for the dynamic Wayne McGregor coaching two soloists in one of his sexy, contortionist pieces, and Pina Bausch’s ballet master, Dominique Mercy, directing her Orphée et Eurydice.