The centerpiece of the film is the ballet of Carmen, a spectacularly choreographed and orchestrated version of George Bizet’s famous opera.

Also included are scenes from Glazunov’s Raymonda, a choreographed version of a Bach work called Prelude, and the famous Dying Swan.

This is a genuinely cinematic treatment of ballet and dancers and not merely a filming of a stage production.

Choreography by Vladimir Vasiliev, Alberto Alonso and others is featured along with spectacular conducting by composer Rodion Shchedrin.