Paris Dances Diaghilev [VHS]

Beautiful productions
I have shown portions of this video to my Music Appreciation students (Debussy and Petrouchka). The dancing is vibrant, and the costumes and scenery lovely. The orchestra is also magnificent! The students find the performances to be compelling, even to those who have never seen ballet before, and it is wonderful to see the Ballets Russes' original conception of each work with full orchestra.

Paris Opera Ballet recreates Ballet Russe masterpieces
This is a beautifully filmed, danced and played video with the Paris Opera Ballet recreating classic Diaghilev/Ballet Russe masterpieces such as Petrushka, Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun, Invitation to the Dance and Les Noces. Choreography, costumes and sets have all been carefully recreated to look the way they did on opening night. In the case of Petrushka, the ballet helps to explain the musical structure. And the original ending of Faun allows you to see why it created controversy. This is a must-see for all ballet and classical music lovers, and especially for music teachers. I have used it extensively in my college music classes. (Why play Petrushka for your students when you can have them watch it the way Stravinsky intended?)