Fresh
Undeniably effective as drama, as we ponder the varying degrees of ambition and talent driving these young people to push their bodies beyond the limit in the hope of grasping a future in the spotlight.
Trevor Johnston, Time Out
First Position
Six dancers. Five minutes on stage. One chance to make it.
2011 · 1h 30m · Not Rated
Documentary
Directed by
Bess Kargman
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First Position
Overview
A documentary that follows six young dancers from around the world as they prepare for the Youth America Grand Prix, one of the most prestigious ballet competitions in the world.
Director and cast
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
93%
Tomatometer
Fresh
It does a great job developing its characters through its visuals - these are superphysical kids - and honing in on family dynamics.
Jennie Punter, Globe and Mail
Fresh
If you have a yearning to feel awkward, inadequate and lazy, watching the whirling teenage (and preteen) talents in director Bess Kargman's First Position will do the trick.
Linda Barnard, Toronto Star
Fresh
When it's over, you won't remember so much about who won and who lost. Instead, what remains is the expression on a young dancer's face, reflected in a mirror: showing the joy of being in love with what you do.
Moira MacDonald, Seattle Times
Fresh
For someone (like me) who has never been to a ballet, the talent of these teens and tweens is a revelation.
Joe Williams, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
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