The Bottom Line
Center Stage is an informative and entertaining peek into the competitive sport of ballet dancing. The dramatic movie gives us a glimpse of just how much work it takes to make it into a ballet company. Besides great dance sequences with amazing choreography, the movie also gives viewers a glimpse into the personal lives of the dancers. Young adults will leave the movie begging for ballet lessons, or at least a pair of pointe shoes.
Pros
- Realistic portrayal of dance company auditions
- Great dancing
Cons
- Predictability
Description
- Shows the ins and outs of competitive ballet dancing
- Follows several dancers on their way to the top
- Actual professional dancers make the dancing spectacular
Guide Review - Movie Review: Center Stage
Center Stage is an emotional dance movie about a group of dancers competing for acceptance into the American Ballet Company. The movie follows Jody, whose only dream is to be a ballerina. Her dream begins to become a reality when she is asked to join the company's academy. However, she soon learns that many exceptional dancers share the same dream.
The dancers competing for spots in the company quickly become friends, even though they know that only a few of them will actually be selected for the company. The friendships and bonds they form together help them face the ups and downs of the world of competitive ballet.
Aspiring ballerinas will enjoy watching the process of selection into a dance company. Particularly fun to watch and informative is the opening scene in which the dancers are seen breaking in their pointe shoes. The final 15 minutes are exciting as well, showing the audition dances of several dancers.
