Documentary about Sonia Gaskell, founder and first artistic director of the Dutch National Ballet.
A controversial lady from Russia who in postwar Holland almost singlehandedly elevated dance to an international level.
She taught her lessons suited and high heeled, and started a veritable "ballet war". With testimonies of pupils like her successor Rudi van Dantzig, star dancers Marianna Hilarides and Jaap Flier, as well as wonderful archival footage, and eventful life is outlined. A portrait is drawn of a complex woman who gave her everything for dance but met a lonely death.
A film by Jellie Dekker
An IDTV Docs production co-produced with Dutch Public Broadcaster NTR
