Ballet drama Etoile on Prime Video authenticates its portrayal by integrating professional ballerinas with performing actors
Cool Ballet: A Fresh Take on the Classics
Ballet doesn't always have to be elegance personified. Ballet can be exciting, lively, and cool, and that's exactly what the creators of the new Amazon Prime Video show Etoile are aiming for.
Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, the minds behind The Marvelous Mrs Maisel, are daring to challenge the traditional perception of ballet with their latest production.
Set against the backdrop of both New York and Paris, Etoile follows the tale of two ballet companies merging to draw audiences and keep afloat in the competitive world of dance. The struggle for survival is a recurring theme throughout the show, and the use of the word 'afloat' seems fitting given the emphasis on real ballet techniques, including lifts, turns, and leaps, performed by professional dancers.
Attentive viewers might recognize familiar faces from the New York City Ballet among the supporting characters. With elements of their previous series Bunheads, the charm of Emily in Paris, and the classic ballet film The Turning Point, Etoile is all about the dance.
As actor David Alvarez puts it, "You can't fake ballet."
Memorable moments from the ballet world are interwoven with the Palladinos' signature quick-witted dialogue and fast-paced charm, creating a unique blend of humor, drama, and ballet. While some plotlines may venture into the realm of campy excess, it adds to the overall appeal of the show for those seeking a mix of lighthearted fun and serious undertones.
Etoile presents a different side of ballet, one that's authentic, engaging, and refreshing, bringing a touch of cool to the classical art form. Whether you're a ballet aficionado or new to the genre, Etoile promises to be an unforgettable viewing experience.
References:1. The Hollywood Reporter: 'Étoile': TV Review2. The Wrap: 'Étoile' Review: Amazon's Ballet Drama Is Over the Top but Still Satisfyingly Slippery3. Los Angeles Times: 'Étoile': Amazon's ballet comedy-drama gives viewers a taste of the behind-the-scenes world
- The Palladinos' new Amazon Prime Video show, Etoile, offers an ethereal take on ballet, challenging traditional perceptions and presenting a refreshingly authentic portrayal of the art form.
- In the competitive world of dance, the merging of two ballet companies in Etoile aims to captivate fake movie-and-TV audiences with real ballet techniques and engaging storylines.
- Unlike some plotlines in Etoile that verge on campy excess, the ballet performances in the show are far from fake, as actor David Alvarez admits, "You can't fake ballet."
