Frederick Wiseman's New Documentary 'La Danse' Showcases Acclaimed Paris Opera Ballet

Frederick Wiseman's newest venture takes a look at the acclaimed Paris Opera Ballet. The documentary looks at all aspects of the POB, following the dancers from stretching to rehearsing to performance. "La Danse" aims to capture dancers at their most impassioned moments, including working with choreographers, by themselves, and with other dancers.

Wiseman is known for his documentaries, which features a resume of more than 30 different films, including looks at corporate department stores and state legislatures. In "La Danse" he avoids using narration and voice overs, instead allowing the moments to speak for themselves, the LA Times Reports. The most intriguing aspect of the documentary, the article states, is how intimate audiences feel with the dancers.

To read the full story from the LA Times, click here.

The Paris Opéra Ballet is the official ballet company of the Opéra de Paris, otherwise known as the Palais Garnier, though known more popularly simply as the Paris Opéra. Its origins can be traced back to 1661 with the foundation of the Académie Royale de Danse and the Le Ballet de l'Opéra (1713) by King Louis XIV of France. The official name of the company is Le Ballet de l'Opéra national de Paris. It is the successor company to the Ballet du Théâtre de l'Académie Royale de Musique.

The Paris Opera Ballet is today considered to be one of the world's finest companies. The average age is 25, making it one of the youngest. Its repertoire is very extensive, ranging from the major romantic and classical ballets to creations by contemporary choreographers. The Ballet currently stages some 180 performances per season in Paris, the French regions and abroad.