Breath Made Visible
This documentary portrait from director Ruedi Gerber constitutes one of the only feature-length biographical chronicles on the life and professional accomplishments of Anna Halprin (b. 1920), one of the most legendary of all American dancers and a true pioneer of modern art through her dance. Halprin distinguished herself from many of her colleagues by strongly emphasizing her belief in dance's power to transform, teach, and heal. In telling the story of this amazing artist, this program combines archival footage of Halprin, recent interviews with her colleagues such as the late Merce Cunningham, and extracts of current and past performances.
Director: Ruedi Gerber
The main attraction is little-seen archival footage going back 50 years, including scenes from the 1960s "Parades and Changes," with artful nudity that was praised in Europe but brought threats of arrest in New York.
Packed with illuminating interviews and lyrical movement, Breath Made Visible portrays a woman with angels in her feet and innovation in her blood. Long may she rock.
The filmâ??s warmth and heart comes from introducing us to someone born to do exactly what sheâ??s doing.
If nothing else, Ruedi Gerberâ??s celebratory portrait of Anna Halprin--a postmodern-dance pioneer and Gerberâ??s former teacher--is a fascinating testimonial to the healing, age-defying powers of both her art and artistry.
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