Ballet 422

For arts, music and dance aficionados, "Ballet 422" is a documentary that will speak (and perhaps sing) to them.

It's filled with delicious moments, particularly for dance fans ...

The fly [on the wall] is very good at getting access...but rather less good at giving context.

There are few titles and no interviews or narration. Entire scenes go by without anyone speaking. Instead, Ballet 422 is a very intimate look at the process.

For fans of dance, "Ballet 422" will produce plenty of pleasures. But as with great ballet, great movies always benefit from a little drama.

What makes Jody Lee Lipes documentary so interesting - even transfixing at times - is the fact that nothing is editorialized or explained. There are no interviews or voice-overs.

With its brisk pace and unique style, Ballet 422 is a cinematic gem that encapsulates the passion of two inspired artists, the one in front of the camera and the one behind it.

I have zero interest in ballet, but this film held my interest. It isn't so much about ballet itself, as much as it is about all the people involved in creating and presenting a ballet, and how they all work together so effectively.

In this beautifully muted documentary by cinematographer-director Jody Lee Lipes, a New York City Ballet company dancer gets and takes a chance to create his own show.

Since dance is so difficult to describe, there are some great expressions. My favourite is when Justin tells a performer a sequence is "not crispy enough." Thing is, you get what he means.

Revealing documentary offering a backstage peek at the intense training, practice and choreography of the New York City Ballet.

Engrossing backstage ballet documentary.