SCREENDANCE
Where the art of dance meets the screen
BOW
When Teatro Camões, the home of the Portuguese National Ballet, was forced to close due to COVID-19, the dancers found themselves confined to the limited spaces of their homes. With regular physical movement taken out of the equation, the only large space left was that of the mind. The uncertain times that uncomfortably became our "new normal" not only imposed physical limitations but also placed significant mental burdens on the dancers. Despite these challenges, the dancers persevered, working to maintain both their physical and mental health as they looked forward to returning to the stage. Through the production 'BOW,' we celebrate the dancers' ability to face adversity and find triumph in defeat, demonstrating that both emotions can intertwine and coexist.
Documentary
43.00 min.
Directed by:
Paul E. Visser
Coproduction:
RTP, CNB, Valentijn Studios
Narration:
Sofia Campos
Music score:
Tiago Perestrelo
Dancers:
João Costa
Francisco Sebastião
Anyah Siddall
Isadora Valero
Dancers of Companhia Nacional de Bailado
Go to the documentary:
BOW
JUNE
Nature has a way of rekindling memories long forgotten. It's in the rustling of the leaves, flowery scents and the sound of the flowing water that we are reminded of moments once treasured, filling us with a sense of longing and nostalgia.
The film premiered at In Shadow Festival in Lisbon. Following this, 'JUNE' was also selected to screen at the Spring Dance Film Festival in Barcelona.
Short
00:04:02
Directed by:
Paul E. Visser
Dancers:
Lourenço Ferreira
Anyah Sidell
Choreography:
Patricia Keleher
Music score:
Christian Vismara
INTERMISSION
The demands of dancing can take a toll on a performer's body and mind, and taking breaks is crucial to prevent burnout. In this short documentary, we follow Miguel Ramalho, a principal dancer with The Portuguese National Ballet, as he travels to the Lousã mountains to recharge and find inspiration amidst the natural beauty.
The film premiered at the Art & Tur filmfestival in Leiria, Portugal. Following this, INTERMISSION toured film festivals in France, Latvia, and India.
Short Doc.
00:02:51
Directed by:
Paul E. Visser
Dancers:
Miguel Ramalho
Gonçalo Andrade
Choreography:
Miguel Ramalho
Music score:
David A. Molina
MEN IN TIGHTS
During the COVID pandemic, dancers of the Dutch National Ballet, Bastiaan Stoop and Michele Esposito, created weekly Youtube episodes on everything ballet-related.
With a humorous and lighthearted approach in these challenging times, they spoke with people all over Europe to bring relief to the dance community and its followers. Although difficult to produce due to lockdown, we were able to create six episodes within our confinements. Mastermind Colin Benders, former frontman of Kyteman, provided the intro music track, "MONSTER," for the series.
You Tube series.
06 episodes
Hosts:
Bastiaan Stoop, Dutch National Ballet
Michelle Esposito, Dutch National Ballet
Guests:
Lucas Jerkander, Finnish National Ballet
Marcelino Libao, Hamburg Ballet
Daan Akkerman, Hamburg Ballet
Riccardo Mambelli, Zürich Ballet
Constantine Allen, Dutch National Ballet
Filmed by:
Bastiaan Stoop
Edited by:
Paul E. Visser
Music score:
Colin Benders