If dance is the universal language, then members of the Richmond Ballet were certainly speaking, or rather dancing it, during their May 2015 tour of China. The story of that tour, captured on film by Richmond-based Humanstory Films, became the documentary “Bridge of Hearts: Road to China,” which premiered April 4, 2019 on VPM PBS and is nominated for an Capital Emmy Award .
“Bridge of Hearts: Road to China” showcases the Company’s performances at the prestigious “Meet in Beijing” Arts Festival, as well as its tour stops in Dezhou, Jinan, and Shanghai. The pieces, all meticulously chosen by Artistic Director Stoner Winslett, include Valse Fantaisie by George Balanchine, After Eden by John Butler, Swipe by Val Caniparoli, and Lift the Fallen by Chinese-born Ma Cong. Woven throughout the documentary are interviews, sightseeing, and travel footage, with one ballet highlighted in each venue.
Photos courtesy of Richmond Ballet/Humanstory Films
“Everyone at Richmond Ballet had to come together to make this journey possible,” says Brett Bonda, the Ballet’s Managing Director. “Situational challenges arose at every turn, but our group of dancers and staff worked together tirelessly, and the experience strengthened us both as an organization and as a family.”
“Dance has a special ability to communicate and connect our souls when words fail us, and at each performance we could feel the joy and fulfillment of our audiences,” reflects the Ballet's Artistic Director, Stoner Winslett. “This poignant film is filled with moments of drama, exhilaration, deep emotion, and, of course, beautiful artistry. It is something that I believe will touch all who watch it.”
Photos courtesy of Richmond Ballet/Humanstory Films
