Natalya Makarova Movies

American Ballet Theatre Now: Variety and Virtuosity documents a series of dances performed by the famed dance company. The troupe regulars are joined by a handful of special guests as they give life to a variety of famous pieces, as well as to a brand new piece by internationally renowned dancer and choreographer Nacho Duato. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi

Comedian and former Monty Python member Michael Palin takes the viewer on a lush ride across the Emerald Isle in Irish Railway Journey: Derry to Kerry. This one-hour travelogue features the comedian as he meets and greets his way through the countryside. The trip begins in Northern Ireland's Derry, where the landscape is stark and impressive. Palin stops off at Shane's Castle to get a ride on Lord O'Neil's private steam engine. As he winds his way south, Palin tours Belfast's devastation. He chugs into Dublin where the people are charming and the streets reflect a growing sophistication. He introduces a cross-section of locals to the camera and then journeys on. The Wicklow Mountains loom from the train window, serving as perfect backdrop to cottages in Cork. Rolling hillsides and picturesque sheep inhabit county Kerry where Palin comes to rest. The actor adds another dimension to the mission as he searches for his great grandmother along the way. The Railway Journey allows a broad view of Ireland, one populated by natural beauty and unforgettable characters. ~ Sarah Ing, Rovi

The Royal Ballet performs Ludwig Minkus' three-act opera in this performance captured live at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Altynai Asylmuratova and Irek Mukhamedov headline this production featuring the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House conducted by John Lanchbery and stage production by Natalia Makarova. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Originally filmed in 1988, this video captures the excitement and visual splendor that accompanies a live performance from the internationally famous Kirov ballet company. The Kirov Ballet in London features several audience favorites, among them including selections from "Swan Lake", "Don Quixote", and "Le Papillon". In a special guest appearance, former Kirov ballerina Natalie Makarova reunites with her comany after having spent 17 years apart from them. ~ Tracie Cooper, Rovi

Kultur releases this ballet performance video of a mixed bill from the American Ballet Theatre dance company. Performed at the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco, the featured dances are "Airs," featuring excerpts from Handel's Concerti Grossi, Op. 3; "Balcony Pas de Deux from Act I" of Sergei Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet; Jardin aux Lilas from Ernest Chausson; "Great Galloping Gottschalk," which features excerpts from several works by Louis Moreau Gottschalk; and the "The Black Swan" from the "Grand Pas de Deux from Act III" in Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake. Performers include Leslie Browne, Fernando Bujones, Susan Jaffe, Robert La Fosse, Cynthia Gregory, Martine Van Hamel, Natalia Makarova, Kevin McKenzie, and Michael Owen. ~ Dana Rowader, Rovi

The Royal Ballet performs Tchaikovski's classic Swan Lake in this performance featuring designs by the late Leslie Hurry and lead performances by acclaimed dancers Natalia Makarova and Anthony Dowell. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Swan Lake is a filmed record of the Tchaikovsky ballet, brilliantly brought to life by Rudolph Nureyev and Dame Margot Fonteyn. Backed by the Vienna State Opera Ballet, the peerless dance duo perform with the enthusiasm and freshness of newcomers, but with the flawlessness that can only stem from genius. Unlike other ballet films, Swan Lake is purely cinematic in approach. Without ever detracting from the dancing, the camerawork is both fluid and innovative. Filmed in Munich, Swan Lake earned back every penny of its $1 million budget and then some. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi