The Heart Dances

The director of CROSSING RACHMANINOFF returns backstage for what is this time a behind-the-scenes account of the unique artistic challenges presented in re-imagining the iconic film THE PIANO for the Royal New Zealand Ballet.

The stage is set for a voyage into uncharted territory for everyone involved, especially its twin brother directors, the celebrated Czech dancers Jirí and Otto Bubenicek.

The brothers work together with Māori cultural advisor Moss Te Ururangi Patterson to adapt the work for a New Zealand context, a process which challenges their concepts of freedom of expression. Meanwhile the dancers responsible for delivering the ballet face challenges of a different kind as they come to terms with the famous characters of Ada, Stewart and Baines and the love triangle they are caught up in.

A fascinating film about the complex responsibilities involved in dance based storytelling.