Ever since I was a little girl, I have wanted to be a ballerina. There was something about the elegant way the dancers moved and swayed that had me mesmerized at a young age, and it is a love that has followed me well into adulthood. Director Chelsea McMullan‘s documentary “Swan Song” captures not only the intoxicating, dreamlike beauty of ballet, but also offers a deeply immersive look into a complex world of choreography, dance, athleticism, and determination.
Focusing on the National Ballet of Canada’s 2022 production of Swan Lake (one of the most technically challenging and physically demanding ballets to stage), the film takes viewers behind the scenes alongside first-time ballet director (and legendary dancer) Karen Kain, her choreographer, as well as several women in the corps de ballet. No matter if you are a lover of the arts or not, this film will give you a new perspective of and a deeper appreciation for the multitude of components that go into making a beautiful production.
Through intimate access to several of the dancers, McMullan captures the sheer mental and physical exhaustion of the performers. There is an immense dedication and precision required of them, and she showcases their personal stories. While the subjects have diverse personalities and come from a wide range of backgrounds, they all share a passion for dance. These interviews offer a fascinating insight into the sacrifices they’ve made, the toll it takes on their bodies, and the overwhelming intensity of the pressure that is thrust upon them.
McMullan’s camera follows these dancers through grueling rehearsals, but also documents the hard work it takes from others behind the scenes to bring a ballet to life. Kain is meticulous in her directorial details, obsessing over things like if her corps should or should not buck a longstanding tradition of wearing pink tights. That may seem like a simple choice, but the film explains why it’s a huge deal to have these women dance with bare legs (and it’s not for the reason you think). This leads to one of the most compelling parts of the documentary: a brief exploration of social and racial issues prevalent in the ballet world.
The film tackles a lot in a short amount of time, but nothing feels too rushed or too slow. As the documentary progressed, I became more and more invested in its subjects. By the time opening night arrived, I found myself holding my breath with anticipation.
Beautifully shot and filmed in a cinema verité style, “Swan Song” is a gripping look at all facets of the creative process. It is among the best documentaries I’ve seen so far this year, providing a testament to the artistry and dedication that defines ballet. I thoroughly enjoyed my front row seat to a film that so perfectly captures the romance, the agony, the profound beauty, and the complexity of dance.
By: Louisa Moore / SCREEN ZEALOTS
