A Movie “First Position” 5/15/12

May 15, 2012

I really enjoyed this movie, almost reflecting myself when I was their age, struggling to find my destination. Thousands of aspiring young dancers enter one of the world’s most prestigious ballet competitions, the Youth America Grand Prix, where lifelong dreams are at stake. There are several age categories, and each category offers wonderful opportunities for selected young dancers. In the final round, with hundreds competing from all over the world, only a handful of elite scholarships and contracts are offered. Like music world, practice and discipline are paramount, and nothing short of perfection is expected. Bess Kargman, a director of this movie, follows six young dancers as they prepare for a chance to enter the world of professional ballet, struggling emotionally, near exhaustion and debilitating injuries, all while navigating the drama, and the family behind them. “First Position” paints a thrilling and moving portrait of the most gifted young ballet stars. They really work hard for their dream.