First Position

“First Position” is an unprecedented new documentary by Bess Kargman exposing the training of six young dancers who go into the Youth America Grand Prix, the competition that awards full scholarships to top ballet schools in the world. As a viewer with significant background in dance history and criticism, spoiled by the diversity of NYC performance scene, I was eager to enjoy this movie with my mother, who many decades back was accepted into the youth training ballet school adjusted to Mariinsky theater. As we sunk deep into our seats on a chilly Sunday evening, we were ready to be mesmerized by the art form that enamored many children of whom only few went on to become professional performers. Your loyal blogger here, at the age of five on one fine occasion embarrassed her mother by leaving her side at the designated seat of the Bolshoy theater to be found, minutes later, in the aisle making clumsy pirouettes and pas de chats. “Swan Lake” had that hypnotizing effect on me that found no sympathy with the strict usher lady who dragged me back to my mother!!! Let’s just say that this tragic misunderstanding killed my spirit and my marvelous future as the next Bolshoy prima ballerina ; )

“First Position” is an incredible film that shows how much sacrifice and dedication goes into audition in a ballet competition - let alone being admitted and hopefully growing into a professional performer. As we follow many struggles and doubts of participating children, we cannot help but admire their cult of ballet beauty, grace and discipline. I feel that many more films like that should be made to inspire the growing generation to tear themselves away from the computer screens and cultivate and interest that will not only make their lives a more fulfilling experience but also quite possible grow into a lifetime passion.

The magic of it all makes me want to dust off those leotards and legwarmers and head over to a good old barre class, alas at the beginner’s level : )