DANCER
6 SEPT | 7PM - 9PM
ELVIRA POPESCU CINEMA
Dacia Bvd. 77
Sold out
Documentary, 75', 2016 (UK)
DIRECTOR: Steven Cantor
Special contribution from david lachapelle
Nominee for Best Documentary at the British Independent Film Awards
Starring: Serghei Polunin, David LaChapelle, Jade Hale-Christofi
Blessed with astonishing power and poise, Sergei Polunin took the dance world by storm and became the Royal ballet’s youngest ever principal. At the peak of his success, aged 25, he walked away, driven to the brink of self-‐destruction by stardom – his talent more a burden than a gift.
Here is an unprecedented look into the life of a complex young man who has made ballet go viral. Urban rebel, iconoclast, airborne angel, Sergei is transforming the shape of ballet as we know it.
From archive footage of Polunin training at the age of 6 to be an Olympic gymnast, to intimate material shot by both his parents, and in‐depth interviews with family, friends, colleagues through to footage of Sergei’s life on and off the stage now, we witness every step of Sergei’s journey. Polunin is a controversial, divisive character and he is shown in all his complexity. The film is also a showcase for his extraordinary physical and emotional range.
“How do you come to terms with a life definition that was created for you?
When you’re the greatest in the world, what else is there left to achieve? To live for?
Twenty-‐five year old, world-‐renowned ballet star, Sergei Polunin, has defined his life through his art, only to question his existence at the opportunity to become legendary. DANCER is an intimate reflection of a talented and charming, but also complex and enigmatic ballet star at a vulnerable crossroads. ”