The Light Fantastic (1960)
• December 18th, 1960 • 0h 23min
Documentary
Overview
While most of Ken Russell's documentaries for the BBC's Monitor arts strand focused on a single creative figure, he would also occasionally make more wide-ranging surveys of the state of a particular art. The Light Fantastic (BBC, tx. 18/12/1960) was written and presented by Ron Hitchins, a Cockney barrow boy who has long been interested in a great many dance forms, and who has recently taken up Spanish dancing. Hitchins participates in some of the dance sequences, but his main contribution is an enthusiastic commentary that helps personalise what could have been simply a disparate collection of dance footage. He's not shy about expressing likes and dislikes, being none too keen on ballroom dancing (too choreographed), rock'n'roll (too monotonous) and Morris dancing (just doesn't like it), though anything genuinely spontaneous gets a thumbs up, even if it's a room full of people dressed in black swaying to the sound of a gong.
Make sure to check your pop-up blocker!!
Trailer
Similar Movies
Are You Awake?
Released on: 2025-03-13
Thriller, Drama, Documentary, Horror, Mystery
After seeking transcendence through shamanic rituals, Ana’s life is transformed overnight by an unex...
What a Glorious Feeling: The Making of 'Singin' in the Rain'
Released on: 2002-09-24
Documentary
Movie and stage icon Debbie Reynolds hosts the making of "Singin' in the Rain". The short documentar...
Stillness in the Wave
Released on: 2022-09-08
Documentary
The documentary portrayed one of the most established dance companies in Hong Kong which has a histo...
Historia de un ballet
Released on: 1964-08-25
Documentary
This short documentary describes the process and inspiration behind the creation and performance of ...
Madonna: Truth or Dare
Released on: 1991-05-10
Music, Documentary
From the rains of Japan, through threats of arrest for 'public indecency' in Canada, and a birthday ...
Martha Graham: The Dancer Revealed
Released on: 1994-05-13
Documentary, TV Movie
Released on DVD as part of The Criterion Collection's "Martha Graham: Dance on Film" collection.
Raised by Krump
Released on: 2016-10-28
Documentary
“Raised by Krump” explores the LA-born dance movement “krumping,” and how the dance has helped the l...
No Maps on My Taps
Released on: 1979-10-31
Documentary
The remarkable spirit of tap dancers and their history provides a joyous backdrop for intimate portr...
Electronic Awakening
Released on: 2011-01-01
Music, Documentary
A documentary following the conscious evolution of electronic music culture and the spiritual moveme...
Salsa Lives
Released on: 2025-06-26
Documentary, Music
La Salsa Vive is a vibrant cinematic exploration of Afro-Cuban music's history, tracing its roots fr...
Busby Berkeley: A Journey with a Star
Released on: 2007-02-20
Documentary
Profile of famed dance director Busby Berkeley's career, in particular "The Gang's All Here"
How To Strip For Your Man by GiO
Released on: 1987-01-23
Documentary, Fantasy
This sizzling video is guaranteed to add spice to your love life. In the privacy of your boudoir do ...
Back To Africa
Released on: 2008-04-01
Documentary
An Austrian director followed five successful African music and dance artists with his camera and fo...
Antonio Gades, la ética de la danza
Released on: 2007-03-18
Documentary
Documentary that reconstructs the professional life of the dancer through the thread of his own voic...