Educational Media Reviews Online

This video taps into young people’s fascination with performers, through interviews with ten women who are part of a master class at the Broadway Theater Project. Directed by Ann Reinking, the Project involves guest teachers, including the incomparable Gwen Verdon. It reveals the insecurity these young people have about their bodies, even as they have achieved a level of skill and talent that has allowed them to compete at this high level.

While the women have varied backgrounds, they all speak of their struggle to be comfortable with their appearance. Other voices, most prominently Reinking’s and Verdon’s, comment on the societal and professional pressures that effect these women’s self image, and force them to focus excessively on the external, emphasized by the ever present mirrors.

In general, the teachers attempt to counter their students’ self-surveillance with exercises and lectures that focus on the heart, and the quality of the performance that comes from it - ‘’what is here (pumping the chest) is what lasts.” Issues of sexuality, puberty, race, femininity, and being in love are just a few of the topics the students speak about in answer to unheard questions.

While this has interest for junior high and high school girls who are struggling with similar issues and thinking of entering the performing arts, the content is not focused enough for more general or academic audiences. Some dance and vocal technique is presented, along with a peek at famous performers and backstage preparation, but the video is not organized for educating students in the performing arts.