russian ballet dancer

My Friend Maia

Shot in Fire Island, New York, this film (4min. 23 sec) captures the secrets of eternal youth as Maia Helles, a Russian ballet dancer turns 95 but still remains resolutely independent, healthy and as fit as a forty year old. Made by Julia Warr, artist and film maker met Maia on a plane 4 years ago and became utterly convinced by the benefits of her daily exercise routine, which Maia perfected, together with her Mother, over 60 years ago, long before exercise classes were ever invented. (2011)

Film by Julia Warr
Music by Lola Perrin
juliawarr.com 

I was so touched by this film. So beautiful are the moments we see Maia on her mat doing her exercises.  I imagined her dancing as a young woman in Russia and glimpsed her floating across the stage as surely as she gracefully moves all these years later.  I seek to have this grace in my life.