Commissioned by the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), The Red Shoes is Slavit's tribute to Michael Powell & Emeric Pressburger's film and its eponymous icon. "The film inspired me greatly when I saw it as a child," Slavit says. "I designed and constructed the two 250 pound, 30-feet long ballet shoes, with the assistance of a large crew comprised of many gifted engineers, consultants, architects, and neighborhood residents." The work served a double purpose, encouraging access and attendance to BAM itself during its humbler years.
Freed of London, Inc., historically renowned as one of the finest makers of ballet shoes, created the ballet shoes worn by actress Moira Shearer in the film. They also provided the major funding for Slavit's BAM installation.
At the bottom of the page, a 30 minute documentary outlines its creation and installation.
