First Position

A FILM BY Bess Kargman

It's an intense journey, and Kargman captures it all, down to the dancers' bloodied and bruised feet.

- Amy Hitt, Washington Post

It's 'Spartacus' en pointe.

- James Verniere, Boston Herald

Yes, it is possible to create a gripping documentary about the ballet world without resorting to Black Swan"" melodramatics.""

- Allan Ulrich, San Francisco Chronicle

"Les performances sont étonnantes. Si les jeunes de First Position sont l'avenir du ballet, on est partant."

- Ellen Dunkel, PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER

"Incroyablement satisfaisantexcitant, des variations effectuées par les virtuoses de l'avenir magnifiquement capturées."

- Alissa Simon, VARIETY

Synopsis

Every year, thousands of aspiring dancers enter one of the world's most prestigious ballet competitions, the Youth America Grand Prix, where lifelong dreams are at stake. In the final round, with hundreds competing for only a handful of elite scholarships and contracts, practice and discipline are paramount, and nothing short of perfection is expected. Bess Kargman's award-winning documentary, FIRST POSITION, follows six young dancers as they prepare for a chance to enter the world of professional ballet, struggling through bloodied feet, near exhaustion and debilitating injuries, all while navigating the drama of adolescence. A showcase of awe-inspiring talent, tenacity and passion, FIRST POSITION paints a thrilling and moving portrait of the most gifted young ballet stars of tomorrow.