danrubin06
Posted May 14, 2012
This re-release of two movies about Dance Theatre of Harlem in 1989 are important as historic artifacts, but viewing of these ballets is somewhat dull. The artists aren't exceptionally good in terms of technique, and over-act in the dramatic aspect. The first ballet, Fall River Legend, choreography by Agnes De Mille, is a very dramatic ballet based on a tale of a girl killing her father and stepmother with an axe. There is a minimum amount of dance, and the majority of the ballet is for the over-dramatic continuation of the plot. The second ballet, Troy Game, choreography by Robert North, is an exciting and fun parody of macho-men. It is set on 17 male dancers, full of energy and good humor. The third ballet, The Beloved, choreography by Lester Horton, is in the same style of over-drama as the first ballet. With minimalistic dancing and a bizarre story, it is short and forgettable. The fourth ballet, John Henry, choreography by Arthur Mitchell, is a very energetic folk-legend, with singing and dancing. It's exciting and fun, though also lacking in dance. Overall, I wouldn't call any of these except the second 'ballet', more so 'modern dance'. The DVD features short interviews with the director, dancers, and choreographers, which provide a unique insight into the ballets. I would recommend this DVD to ballet collectors, fans of Dance Theatre of Harlem, or just for the ballet, Troy Game, which was by far the best.
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