Spring Night, a lushly erotic ten-minute ballet in the stylistic lineage of the Ballets Russes, was made in 1935, just a half dozen years after the death of Serge Diaghilev. It was choreographed by the beautiful and sinuous David Lachine, who danced with Colonel de Basil's Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo. It is a Symbolist fusion of dance, cinematographer's art and music, produced by the very long-lived Adolph Zukor, who was one of the pioneers of the film industry. The elegant and hypnotic camera work was done by George Clemens, who went on to do the cinematography for Twilght Zone and other popular television shows.
The dancing is exquisite. Lachine's partner, Nana Gollner is a lovely and inspired match for his grace and elasticity. Their dancing has a mystical sensuality that is rarely seen in contemporary dance.
This short appears on a DVD with Black Tights and Boshoi '67, two lesser offerings that nonetheless have valuable moments, including a surrealistic Bolero danced by dazzling Bolshoi artists.
The price of this budget DVD is worth paying just to experience Spring Night, a sacred artifact from the passing age of the Ballets Russes.
