John Neumeier: A Creative Life

Sun, Apr 19 3:00 P.M. NHPBS (11.1)

JOHN NEUMEIER: A CREATIVE LIFE focuses on one of the most enduring and impactful ballet artists of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Through Hamburg Ballet performances, conversations with leading dancers, colleagues and collaborators, and in-depth interviews with Neumeier himself, the film showcases his final season for the Hamburg Ballet as he prepares to hand control to a new generation. Neumeier is known throughout the ballet world as a visionary choreographer. As artistic director of the Hamburg Ballet in Germany for more than 50 years, his 191 choreographed works have reached global audiences. His prestigious awards for classical, literary and abstract pieces illustrate his impact in the dance world. As he said, "I think maybe my whole life has been working so as not to have to answer the question: 'Who is John Neumeier?'" JOHN NEUMEIER: A CREATIVE LIFE explores the life of this remarkable artist, from his Milwaukee upbringing and discovery of dance, to his late entry into the Royal Ballet School and early choreographic success that landed him a job as the director of Frankfurt Ballet at age 29. The film also delves into his long tenure at Hamburg Ballet and his constant struggle to explore the complexities of his creativity.

Duration: 1 hour 56 minutes and 46 seconds