“Man Who Dances” enters the life of one of the greatest male dancers in history.
A primary dancer in the New York City Ballet, Edward Villella’s on-stage collapse signals the human limits of this seemingly indefatigable artist.
The film features breathtaking footage from Villella’s performances — both on and off the stage — and intimate interviews with the famed dancer as he deals with physical and mental exhaustion.
The collapse in an afternoon performance poses a grave question for the dancer. Should he or should he not go on stage that evening and risk the possibility of career-ending injury? “Man Who Dances” is structured around this crisis of decision in a performer’s life.
During the course of the film, Villella performs in concert with the New York City Ballet such George Balanchine works as the “Rubies,” section from “Jewels,” and pas de deux from “Glinkiana” and “Tarantella.”