Film spotlights legendary dancers of the 20th century

Dance and film fans might consider "Ballets Russes," a documentary screening at the Honolulu Academy of Arts Doris Duke Theatre beginning Saturday afternoon.

Wrote Kenneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times: "It's a history of the most influential ballet troupes of the 20th century, groups whose legendary members were present at the creation of modern ballet. It's also a film of multiple pleasures, not all of them expected and none of them restricted to dance fans. The stories and people presented here are involving enough to enthrall anyone.

"The best part of 'Ballets Russes' might just be the enormously engaging interview footage of these dancers today that takes up much of the film. Starting with a first-ever reunion of Ballets Russes dancers in New Orleans in 2000, the filmmakers talked to more than a dozen key dancers, and that footage is truly transfixing."

The film, at 118 minutes, is unrated. It screens at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and then Wednesday through July 9.