Episode 103 - Ballet 422

  Staging a ballet is not a responsibility most of us will ever have to shoulder in our lifetime.  For Justin Peck, 25 it is a task and a privilege all rolled into one exhausting package.  Peck has proven himself to be a capable dancer in his own right, and he is given the opportunity to create a new ballet to be staged at Lincoln Center in Manhattan. The New  York City Ballet is putting on Peck's performance, their 422th ballet, hence the name of the film.  This documentary is an example of direct cinema in that there are no interviews, only a nimble camera capturing life as it happens.  The rehearsals are probably more laidback than you might think, and Phil found trouble staying focused on this low-key film.  Andrew was utterly enraptured with "Ballet 422" from beginning to end.  Listen as the two critics find themselves in a rare disagreement! You can download the podcast here by right-clicking on the hypertext link and choosing "save as", or you can use the convenient player attached to this post.