Magic of the Kirov [VHS]

Famous Russian Pairs
The performances on this video span the period from 1976 to 1986. It opens with the world-reknowned Kirov corps de ballet performing the beautiful, hypnotic Entry of the Shades from "La Bayadere." The rest of the program consists of excerpts from other 19th century Russian classic ballets -- "Le Corsaire," "Sleeping Beauty," "Raymonda," "Swan Lake," Paquita" and "Don Quixote."Several famous pairs from different generations appear: the dynamic, flashy duo of Tatyana Terekhova and Faroukh Ruzimatov; the elegant Galina Mezentseva and Konstantin Zaklinsky; and the sparkling Irina Kolpakova and Yuri Solovyov (the latter was the Kirov's technical dazzler just before Baryshnikov).Other videos showcasing excerpts of Russian ballet are "The Glory of the Kirov," "The Glory of the Bolshoi" and "Russian Ballet: The Glorious Tradition." Also look for full-length productions of "Sleeping Beauty," "Cinderella," "La Bayadere," "Swan Lake" and "Don Quixote," danced variously by the Kirov or the Bolshoi. England's Royal ballet has also taped productions of the above-mentioned ballets, as well as showcases of excerpts. They provide an interesting contrast in style.