Stuttgart Ballet - Of Miracles and Superheroes

Documentary on the Stuttgart Ballet, from its rise to fame as the “Stuttgart Ballet Miracle” during the Cranko era to the ensemble’s acclaim of today.

In 1961, John Cranko (1927–1973) was appointed director and choreographer of the ballet of the Wuerttemberg State Theatre in Stuttgart. In the ensuing twelve years Cranko was responsible for the most successful chapter of Stuttgart’s ballet history: A New York tour in 1969 turned into an overwhelming triumph, crowned by esteemed dance critic Clive Barnes employing the phrase “The Stuttgart Ballet Miracle“.

The little known troupe became The Stuttgart Ballet – an ensemble firmly positioned in the world’s premiere league of ballet companies. The documentary “Of Miracles and Superheroes” by Harold Woetzel traces this extraordinary success story. Woetzel accompanied the company for one year, capturing the season’s highlights as well as everyday life at the Stuttgart Ballet. By interviewing choreographers, dancers and fans, Woetzel paints an overall picture of the current company as well as the fabled Ballet Miracle and discovers the ballet’s famous team spirit and its exceptional personalities – superheroes in the service of art.

Original title Of Miracles and Superheroes - Documentary on the Stuttgart Ballet
Genre Documentary
Duration 90 mins
Production Company Production of SWR distributed by UNITEL
Director A film by Harold Woetzel
Dance Company The Stuttgart Ballet