How Ballet on Film Opened New Doors for Choreographer Melissa Barak
- Kristyn Burtt
- Oct 7, 2020
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 12, 2020
The pandemic created incredible obstacles for the dance community, but former New York City Ballet dancer and Barak Ballet founder/choreographer Melissa Barak found a new way to create. After her full-length stage production, Memoryhouse, was canceled last spring, Barak pivoted to a different medium — she took her work to the screen. The choreographer is opening up a new world of possibilities with her artistic creations. First up is Breathe In, which will be shown as a part of a drive-in event, Grace and Grit, with Westside Ballet on Oct. 9 and 10.
"I wanted to create a dance film that captured the mood of the times. The lead male dancer in the film, Peter Chursin, serves as the catalyst for the other dancers to join in on his longing for freedom and better days. It’s a tough time as a dancer right now," says Barak. "No one knows exactly when we’ll be able to perform as we once used to. That uncertainty has left a lot of dancers, particularly in the performing arts, feeling nervous and stuck. Peter sort of reawakens that life, hope, and inspiration within them."
Learn more about Melissa Barak's pivot during the pandemic, her next dance film project and how Westside Ballet has been an integral part of her ballet career:
Grace and Grit will be presented at the Santa Monica College Bundy Campus, East Parking Lot, on Friday & Saturday, Oct. 9 and 10 at 7:30 & 10 p.m. For tickets and information: Grace and Grit.
Before you go, check out ballet's bright future — interviews with Kayla Mak & Kaeli Ware.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel yet? We have weekly interviews uploaded with your favorite performers and choreographers from the dance industry.
Nice article and well explained! It’s always good to see content that highlights useful online platforms and trends. I recently checked Lotuss365, and it provides a very engaging and easy-to-use experience for users looking for real-time updates and interactive features. Looking forward to more informative posts like this!
Experience a smooth digital environment with Reddybooke, where users can follow sports-related updates and live activities in real time. The platform is built with a clean interface and quick navigation features. It allows users to stay engaged without complexity. Overall, it provides a convenient way to explore online sports content.
Really enjoyed reading this article. In a world where everything is digital, a handwritten thank-you note feels much more personal and memorable. Small gestures like these can help build strong professional relationships. The same principle applies across many industries, including digital platforms like Reddy Anna Book, where trust and connections matter. Thanks for sharing such a simple but valuable tip!
Great post and very informative! I always enjoy discovering useful platforms through articles like this. If you're looking for another reliable and user-friendly option, you can also check out Reddy Anna Book. It offers a smooth experience, helpful features, and real-time updates for users. Keep up the great work!
This was an enjoyable and insightful post. The content flows smoothly and keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. I regularly explore helpful websites online to learn something new, and this article definitely caught my attention and was worth the read.