Review of Ballet 422 (2014) by Jessica T — 21 May 2015

Intimate and unique, "Ballet 422" pulls back the curtain on the New York City Ballet to observe up-and-coming choreographer Justin Peck as he crafts the company's 422nd original piece. With barely any dialogue or narration, director Jody Lee Lipes takes a minimalist approach to storytelling, but the results are no less transfixing. For once, the dancers are not the main attraction; in Lipes' documentary, the creative process takes centre stage. What happens behind-the-scenes proves to be as intriguing as any fully realized production.

Bringing a creative vision to fruition involves the collaboration and talent of many artists and technicians, from choreographers, costume designers and music composers to lighting designers, directors and stage managers. The documentary celebrates their relationships, commitment and work ethic. It is invigorating and inspiring to watch people do exactly what they are born to do and "Ballet 422" shares this exhilaration with its audience.