ANATOMY OF A MALE BALET DANCER
(David Barba and James Pellerito, USA, 2017, 83 min.)
A Retribution Media / Cinema Tropical release

Marcelo Gomes is a danceur noble: a male ballet dancer whose extraordinary technique, charismatic presence, and seemingly effortless strength make him the embodiment of the classical prince. Raised in Rio de Janeiro, the darkly handsome dancer, a principal with American Ballet Theatre since 2002, has been called the Pelé of Ballet. When not performing, rehearsing, or traveling the world as a guest artist, Gomes is at home in NYC’s Hell’s Kitchen, accompanied by Lua, his dachshund. He is a delight, whether candidly discussing the positive influence of a gay uncle while he was growing up, the joys of particular roles, or the vicissitudes of his devotion to classical dance. Includes ravishing clips of Gomes in Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Giselle, and La Bayadère.

“Engrossing. As much a portrait of a professional athlete as a performing artist. Gomes proves an engaging subject, whose dedication is as inspiring as the breathtaking grace and strength of his dancing. An intimate study...fluidly edited and shot with an excellent eye for both the exertion and the seeming effortlessness of the dance sequences.”
– David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter