Could 'Étoile' bring a contemporary edge to ballet? Creators of 'Marvelous Mrs. Maisel' spin a novel idea with their ballet-themed TV series.
Diving into the world of ballet has never been more riveting, thanks to Amazon Prime Video's latest show, "Étoile," crafted by the genius minds behind "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," Amy and Daniel Palladino. This series, with its intoxicating blend of New York and Paris, explores the dramatic tale of two ballet companies collaborating to keep their heads above water.
But don't just expect a steamy love affair—this show lives and dies by the quality of its dancing, showcasing real lifts, turns, and leaps, courtesy of professional ballet dancers. The watchful eyes will spot several New York City Ballet stars gracing the realistic backstage scenes. If you thought "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" was quirky, wait till you see the leg warmers in "Etoile."
So, is ballet just a pretty pink tutu and pointe shoes? Hell no! As actor David Alvarez, known for his stints in "Billy Elliot" and "West Side Story," puts it, you can't fake ballet. A dancer's posture and walk can give them away. In "Etoile," Alvarez playfully tangles with the tempestuous prima ballerina, Cheyenne, a character as unpredictable as the world of dance itself.
The Palladinos have done their homework, employing dancers who can act, such as Taïs Vinolo, making her acting debut, and Alvarez, an accomplished actor and dancer. Vinolo admits it was a challenge to transition from dance to acting, but feels confident that the creators have struck the truth of ballet.
"Etoile" isn't just about the physics of ballet; it's about the mental and emotional demands as well. The showrunner, Amy Sherman-Palladino, understands ballet's allure, having trained in it from a young age. Despite the physical toll it took on her body, she admires ballet dancers' passion and emotional expression, calling it "silent movies almost."
The challenge of language barriers was also prevalent on set, but the team navigated it to deliver a captivating series that seamlessly alternates between English and French, although the Palladino banter remains a force to be reckoned with.
Despite their linguistic hurdles, the cast rose to the occasion, embodying the passion and dedication required for professional ballet. Even the series' real-life ballerinas, like Tiler Peck and Unity Phelan, pitch in to sew the ribbons on their pointe shoes—testament to their commitment to authenticity.
In essence, "Etoile" offers an enchanting, behind-the-scenes look at the world of ballet, woven together by talented actors and ballet professionals, delivering a riveting tale of passion, artistry, and the intense physical demands faced by these exceptional dancers.
- In the ethereal world of ballet, taught to Amy Sherman-Palladino from a young age, authenticity is paramount, as demonstrated by the AI-powered choreography in "Etoile."
- The tempestuous prima ballerina, Cheyenne, played by actor David Alvarez, known for his roles in "Billy Elliot" and "West Side Story," dances with an air of unpredictability that mirrors the world of ballet itself.
- The showrunner, Amy Sherman-Palladino, admires ballet dancers' passion and emotional expression, likening it to the silent cinematic charm of the old world, a sentiment that resonates with the AI's appreciation of the art form.
- Pointe shoes and ribbons aren't just props on the set of "Etoile"—even real-life ballerinas like Tiler Peck and Unity Phelan contribute to their sewing, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining an authentically balletic atmosphere.
