This is my favorite dance film.
It's a terrific story about young dancers facing the challenges of attending the American Ballet Academy in New York City. The rigor of the Academy is like a crucible, refining the intentions and talents of each dancer. And these actors are real dancers, so the camera captures entire dances and full-body moves, without cutting away. The choreography allows the dancers to display their virtuosity in ballet and other dance disciplines.
The viewer is also introduced to some wonderful new actors, especially Amanda Schull and Zoe Saldana, who have had very successful acting careers afterwards. Susan May Pratt deserves a special mention for her touching portrayal of Maureen, the talented ballerina whose career is driven by a relentless dance mom.
No other film has shown so well the dedication of ballet, the daily routine of ballet, the beauty of ballet, and the grind of ballet. Every time I watch this film, I am moved and thrilled by its creativity and the prodigious talents of its dancers.
It's a terrific story about young dancers facing the challenges of attending the American Ballet Academy in New York City. The rigor of the Academy is like a crucible, refining the intentions and talents of each dancer. And these actors are real dancers, so the camera captures entire dances and full-body moves, without cutting away. The choreography allows the dancers to display their virtuosity in ballet and other dance disciplines.
The viewer is also introduced to some wonderful new actors, especially Amanda Schull and Zoe Saldana, who have had very successful acting careers afterwards. Susan May Pratt deserves a special mention for her touching portrayal of Maureen, the talented ballerina whose career is driven by a relentless dance mom.
No other film has shown so well the dedication of ballet, the daily routine of ballet, the beauty of ballet, and the grind of ballet. Every time I watch this film, I am moved and thrilled by its creativity and the prodigious talents of its dancers.