Ballet 422

In select theaters
February 13^th 2015

75 minutes

From first rehearsal to world premiere, BALLET 422 takes us backstage at New York City Ballet as Justin Peck, a young up-and-coming choreographer, crafts a new work. BALLET 422 illuminates the process behind the creation of a single ballet within the ongoing cycle of work at one of the world’s great ballet companies. New York City Ballet, under the artistic direction of Ballet Master in Chief Peter Martins, boasts a roster of more than 90 dancers and a repertory of works by many of the greatest choreographers in the history of the art form. When 25-year-old NYCB dancer Justin Peck begins to emerge as a promising young choreographer, he is commissioned to create a new ballet for the Company’s 2013 Winter Season. With unprecedented access to an elite world, the film follows Peck as he collaborates with musicians, lighting designers, costume designers and his fellow dancers to create Paz de la Jolla, NYCB’s 422nd new ballet. BALLET 422 is an unembellished vérité portrait of a process that has never before been documented at New York City Ballet in its entirety.

Director

Jody Lee Lipes

Producers

Ellen Bar, Anna Rose Holmer

Film Editor

Saela Davis

Photographed by

Jody Lee Lipes, Nick Bengten

Sound Design

Mark Henry Phillips

81% on the CINEMETER

STL

92% - Feb 8, 2015

This is an incredible portrayal of all things cooperative: the lighting, the music, costuming, etc. in all things one with beauty, intelligence, and creativity. Wonderful film, wonderful editing.
St. Louis Member

Very insightful. Was interesting to note how much goes into choreography—including costumes. Reminiscent of documentary or making of “Chorus Line.” Was surprised to see that he was a participant in the dance performance during the same performance he did the choreography.
St. Louis Member

A fascinating look at what goes on behind the scene when a new ballet it brought to the stage. So much has to be considered that the average audience member doesn’t know about and so can’t appreciate. Amazing and enriching documentary. Loved it!
St. Louis Member

A bird’s eye view! Excellent portrayal of the process of creation of the ballet. Engaging film. Gorgeous music. Well documented! Hope this film comes to our St. Louis theater.
St. Louis Member

Excellent camera work and editing to create the mood of this documentary to make it an artistic drama. From the time Justin arranges his hair with absolute care and detail the tone is set to take the audience on the journey of everyone connected with the making of this production. I loved the camera execution that allowed the audience to concentrate on the music after Justin had addressed the orchestra. Brilliant film. Loved it.
St. Louis Member

MIL

87% - Feb 8, 2015

While ballet isn't my favorite art, I was fascinated watching at the artistic process behind the creation of a new production.
Milwaukee Member

I was skeptical of this topic, thinking that ballet docs had been outdone. To my surprise, much like JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI, it surpassed my expectations.
Milwaukee Member

Visually stunning, but slow. Good portrayal of tension balanced with unbelievable calmness of Justin Peck.
Milwaukee Member

ATL

83% - Feb 8, 2015

Fascinating look into the inner workings of a world famous ballet company.
Atlanta Member

Such a refreshing take on the sensational ballet films we are used to seeing. Rather than bloodied toes and exhausted ballerinas we got the restrained yet grueling feel of the interpersonal work of creating a ballet.
Atlanta Member

I LOVED this film and style of documentary which allows the viewer to get lost in the creative process without the interruption of narration. If this is what reality TV was like, I'd be glued to the TV every night.
Atlanta Member

As a child and an adult ballet student, I was enthralled. The filming format (theaqer verite) made me feel part of ALL the ballet development process. I felt like I was walking around IN the theater and eavesdropping and absorbing it all.
Atlanta Member

Spellbinding, fantastic insight into the complexity of creating a ballet.
Atlanta Member

Fascinating and beautifully presented. Most impressed with level of collaboration without overpowering ego. Each department was deferential to the others and, especially, to the dancers.
Atlanta Member

And now I am a ballet fan! Unexpectedly moving to watch people with such talent work towards a common goal.
Atlanta Member

85% - Feb 1, 2015

Fabulous, informative and beautiful. Justin Peck is brilliant and I enjoyed watching his process.
San Francisco Member

A lovely view of an unfolding collaborative process. A refreshing contrast to all the stories of in-fighting. Bolshoi ballet acid attacks, etc. Trust, growth beauty, respect. Great guest speaker!
San Francisco Member

I was dubious going in but absolutely loved it. Beautiful, inspiring, human. I thought the choice to use flashback at the premiere had huge emotional impact and I am glad the documentary wasn't focused only on the final show as a product.
San Francisco Member

Nina Haft (guest speaker) added so much to our appreciation of the context of the ballet and the way the dance world works. Thank you! Also, program as many documentaries as you can, I can't get enough of them!
San Francisco Member

A wonderful behind-the-scenes view into a world few of us can experience.
San Francisco Member

78% - Feb 1, 2015

This was an eye-opener for someone for whom ballet was never able to pique any interest. I came away with a totally different level of appreciation, and *will* recommend this film.
Greater New Haven Member

The film does a wonderful job of dispelling the popular view that ballet is an "effete" art form. It communicates the intense physicality, cerebral challenges and emotional commitments that the fluidity and grace of ballet performance might obscure from an untutored eye.
Greater New Haven Member

What a delight! As a seven year old, I fell in love with ballet but had neither the body nor financial support to be able to continue. To this day, however, I cannot watch dance without tightening my abdominals and straightening up in my chair in a vicarious effort to participate. Guess I should watch dance daily! Totally entertained.
Greater New Haven Member

I liked it more than I imagined I could. It was like visiting a country whose people spoke a familiar yet strange language and did unimaginable things with their bodies. That Justin Peck was able to transfer what was in his head into other people's bodies was truly wonderful.
Greater New Haven Member

Wonderful primer on the production of a ballet. Maybe the murder of the orchestra conductor might have added a touch of needed suspense and mystery to the experience.
Greater New Haven Member

Coates was fabulous. Can I take her course? [NB: much, much praise for Emily Coates, along the same lines.]
Greater New Haven Member

74% - Feb 1, 2015

I'm going to go see a ballet now! I gained a new respect for the talent and skill of so many crafts, all necessary for success of the final performance.
Washington, DC Member

Now I know why my ballet tickets are so expensive!
Washington, DC Member

Wonderful narrative of detail and process and human interactions for creativity to come to function; lots of hard work and professionalism.
Washington, DC Member

I loved that the filmmaker refused to follow the formula by showing promise then struggle then disastrous dress rehearsal then triumphant premier. This kid's confidence is matched by competence and respect of his colleagues. A real joy to witness!
Washington, DC Member

BOS

71% - Feb 1, 2015

I love that the Club shows film like this doc. It was sewn together in such a brilliant way--exposing us to all aspects of the process.
Boston Member

The whole experience of seeing the film and listening to the speaker was exquisite. Thank you so much for the combination. You people are beyond great!
Boston Member

Fabulous, Mesmerizing, Fascinating.
Boston Member

Interesting and moving. How art is created.
Boston Member

Informative, interesting, lovely!
Boston Member

BOCA

80% - Jan 25, 2015

Very interesting to see all the details --costumes-lighting- music--that are incorporated into the ballet. Would have liked to see more of the actual ballet performance.
Boca Raton Member

I loved it because I love the ballet and the New York City Ballet but I can see how non-ballet fans might find it dull.

Boca Raton Member

Absorbing detail, but pace a little too slow and would have helped if there were more dialogue .
Boca Raton Member

Fascinating look into the process of creating Ballet 422.
Boca Raton Member

Wonderful perspective on ballet. Of particular note is how each contributor (dancer, lighting tech, costumer, etc.) must understand how his/her part contributes to the whole.
Boca Raton Member

So much pressure for someone 25 years old. Would have liked to hear more about his process of creating and more about his personal life,
Boca Raton Member

Magnolia