Happy To Be So

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Happy To Be So is a documentary about Oleg Briansky and Mireille Briane, former principal dancers, renowned ballet teachers, and a dynamic duet for more than 50 years.

Briansky, of White Russian descent, and Briane, a Parisian, met in Paris. He was the principal dancer of many established European ballet companies and hailed as “the most sought after male dancer in the world” by Ballet magazine in the 50s. She was a principal dancer in France and “a born teacher.” In 1963, Briansky’s meteoric career was cut short by injuries. Soon after, the couple relocated to New York and established the Briansky Saratoga Ballet Center, one of the most distinguished summer ballet academies in America and abroad.

Happy To Be So depicts the Brianskys as performers and narrators of their own life story, which is highlighted by exciting footage from the ‘50s and ‘60s. Piano music from ballet class weaves throughout the film as the score of their lives. The documentary honors these two people whose personalities have complemented each other — a couple that continues to work and is still vibrant with creativity, curiosity and humor.

Documentary, English, 45 min., revised 2010




"An affectionate and often funny portrait celebrating 50 years of a wonderful yin and yang partnership in classic ballet and married life."

Clive Barnes,
New York Post

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