Flamenco at 5:15

Exquisite documentary gets the maximum from articulate understatement. A Canadian ballet company hones its versatility and overall dance creativity and sharpness by taking Flamenco lessons at 5:15 AM. Without ever stating the obvious, Flamenco at 5:15 expertly takes us into the heads of the different company participants as they overcome their obsession with the harsh schedule to give themselves over to the beauty and mysticism of Flamenco. This should be a must for all lovers of dance.

This is about a ballet troupe taking Flamenco lessons at 5:15 AM. This documentary purports to do anything else, and at no point is it intrusive or oblique. Nevertheless, when it is over we are left with unforgettable images of the dancers and unique insights into their souls. Highly recommended.

This documentary, which won an Oscar for Documentary Short, shows a dance class in session with the students being shown how to dance flamenco. Interspersed between shots of the students practising steps and dancing, the instructors are interviewed. It's a fascinating view of a beautiful style of dance as well as proof that some people are most fortunate to be able to do something they love for a living. The National Film Board of Canada was involved in overseeing this production and has consistently produced excellent work for more than sixty years.

It's 5.15 in the morning and whilst most of the rest of us have no intention of getting out of bed, these dedicated final year ballet students are braving the Toronto winter cold to get to class where they hope to learn the intricacies of the flamenco from Susana and Antonio Robledo. Individually and in ensemble, these remarkably nimble and agile dancers learn not just about the poise and the footwork, but also about the concepts of synchronicity, of deportment and of, well, having fun. Susana also fills us in on a little of the history of the famous Andalusian steps, and of the supposed rapport it has with death, in quite an engaging fashion showing how both of these teachers are steeped in passion for the thing. The youngsters are clearly enjoying themselves and if you're remotely interested in the technicalities and creative inputs required to perform in what looks like a spontaneous and emotionally charged manner, then this is for you.

Cynthia Scott's Academy Award-winning "Flamenco at 5:15" looks at a flamenco class at the National Ballet School of Canada. The instructor makes sure to help the students understand that this dance form is not simply about moving one's body around; it's practically a way of life. Susana and Antonio Robledo know their stuff, and the students get into it.

I've been making an effort to see a lot of Oscar-winning shorts in the past few years. Their availability on the internet has facilitated this, but I suspect that there are countless shorts and documentaries to which we don't have access. I would like to see as many as possible. In the meantime, I recommend this one.

I wonder what became of the Robledos and the students.