C'est magnifique! The Red Shoes, a tribute to Art, Love and Color

4:30 AM |

The Red Shoes, a 1948 classic film, in its new restoration, was presented at the Cannes 2009 Film Festival last May and is now doing the tour of festivals and cinemas. The Red Shoes, was adapted by the original story written in 1845 by Danish poet and author Hans Christian Anderson. Written and directed by the legendary film making team of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, The Red Shoes, is one of the most beautiful films ever made, says both film critics and balletophiles. You do not have to be a fan of ballet to be amazed by the film's emotional power and extraordinary staging. No one can view the movie and not be profoundly affected, for the better.
Even though the director Michael Powell and writer Emeric Pressburger completed The Red Shoes more then 60 years ago, the movie still has a major impact on audiences today. An extra-ordinary thing happened at the 2009 Cannes film festival premier showing of The Red Shoes that was one for the record books. Cannes has never known an audience to applaud at the end of the ballet - but this audience did and many applauded before the end. Tears were shed, and there was a standing ovation from a thousand people

Starring the enchanting Moira Shearer, Lady Kennedy , she was already an internationally famous Scottish ballet dancer and actress. She had to be coaxed to take the role in The Red Shoes. She looks absolutely stunning in Technicolor, with her flaming red hair,and blue eyes. She is just a wonder to look at, appreciate and a great dancing talent.

The Dress

Before everything else, there is The Dress. She chose Jacques' Fath grandest creation. The peacock blue of the gown rivaled the hue of the sea.

The gown of an iridescent blue with a hint of green, of many tiers, made from a very lightweight pleated fabric that floats like clouds. Perhaps it is a fine silk. The bodice is asymmetrical, pleated. One side of the bodice is strapless, the other has a two or so inch wide shoulder strap. Then there is the cloak, made of "eau de nil," also a very light material. The cloak has a scalloped rolled collar, and the back is intricately pleated, so that it drapes and glides behind. A luscious touch: the many tulle petticoats under the gown; one or two of the layers are lilac--the only other color. Perfection down to the last detail.

The shoemaker

One of the great names in the history of ballet, as a dancer and choreographer, Leonide Massine was to play the role of the choreographer of the fictional Ballet Lermontov, as well as dance the role of the Shoemaker in the Red Shoes ballet.

While Fath was in Paris designing Moira's evening gowns, suits, and day and casual wear, Hein Heckroth was designing the ballet costumes for the dance sequences. Heckroth made over 2000 sketches for The Red Shoes overall, many of them for the ballet costumes.