Steps of the Ballet

The movements which form the essence of classical ballet, as explained by dancer Robert Helpmann

Robert Helpmann is on hand to guide the uninitiated through some of the mysteries of ballet dancing in this accomplished documentary made for the Crown Film Unit. As he explains, "the hands are as important as the feet", and he also illuminates the work of the choreographer, set designer and others who are busy behind the scenes. Director Muir Matheson was then probably Britain's pre-eminent film music director, while Helpmann appeared in Powell and Pressburger's The Red Shoes released the same year.

This government film is a public record, preserved and presented by the BFI National Archive on behalf of The National Archives, home to more than 1,000 years of British history.