Everyday Activist - Rare Birds

Posted on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at 11:30 AM

Rare Birds

Movie Review by Everyday Activist X CalgaryMovies.com

After watching Rare Birds, I signed up for dance lessons again, which isn't uncommon. I usually hold optimism that I will actually go to class, though more often than not my class fees end up being a donation to the studio. This year will be different. Due to the combination of watching this film and some health challenges, commitment to dancing won't be an issue. In addition to dancing, I've watched quite a few dance performances since I used to review them for the University paper and I am a fan of Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, but I have never seen anyone like Alexander Ekman before.

My teacher always says when you are on the floor you are a dancer. If that's the true then all the world is a dance floor for Alexander Ekman, head choreographer for "A Swan Lake". Through out the entire documentary I watched for "breaks" in his dancing posture which I never found. His body always contained a source of dynamic tension enabling him to not only dream, but execute one of the most avant-garde ballets ever. Of course he's not alone in this production. The film takes the viewer behind the scenes to the costume department and set design where everyone pushed their boundaries to bring Alexander's dream to life.

At the end he finally "broke character" and let emotion overcome him proving to me that he actually was human. Up until then I was convinced he was a machine as he was not only a visionary to conjure up the concept of a water ballet, but he tested everything out himself, making sure everything was safe for his dancers. When an accident happened he was quick to make sure that it didn't dampen <-- pun intended his dancers' spirits. Without skipping a beat he found a solution and carried on the choreography. Anyone wishing to become a choreographer would do well to study Alexander Ekman for his calm demeanor and dedication to getting the job done right.

Rare Birds will play at 9 pm, Saturday February 20th, 2016 at the Globe Cinema as part of a special Dance on Film presentation from the Calgary Underground Film Festival. After the screening there will be some discussion. I encourage everyone to marvel in all the work and creative genuis it takes to put on a show of this magnitude. It's like watching the behind the scenes from Lord of the Rings, absolutely incredible to watch. How do you get 6000 L of water on stage?

Calgary Showtimes: CUFF: Dance on Film >