first of all let me say, this movie is way more appropiate then "Fame" (which let me point out it rated PG and this movie is rated PG13). some sexual behavior but it doesnt show anything sensitive. some messages like a girl being anorexic are not positive. but the role models to work hard to be successful at what they love to do.
Center Stage
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Melodramatic, a bit racy -- some teens will love.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 13–15
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Center Stage was written by Randy White
Parents need to know that one dancer collapses in tears from an injury. The movie depicts the intense pressure that women dancers are under to achieve an ideal body type; no mention is made of the similar pressures that afflict their male colleagues. One of the male dancers is gay. The star ballerina is under plenty of parental pressure and suffers from bulimia. The head of the ballet school married one of his students (despite a substantial age gap). One f-word and some mild bathroom and sexual language. Jodie and her under-age buddies go out drinking and end up with serious hangovers (a "problem" that's played for laughs). Many of the dancers smoke. Maureen's mom pushes her constantly to "be the best." Jodie has sex with the male star dancer, who sleeps around. A Russian student dances torridly with an older woman he picks up in a salsa club. An off-color joke about a mouse having its way with an elephant is lame and unnecessary. A sexual pas-de-deux involves some writhing around on a bed, and Jodi strips down to a costume that looks like a bra and panties.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about the high-pressure life of a professional dancer.
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More on Center Stage
What’s the Story?
A combination of high-stakes drama, sweet-natured characters, and bravado performances, CENTER STAGE follows a group of teen ballet dancers during their stressful tryouts for the prestigious American Ballet Academy. Along with great dancing, the film portrays an honest look at the less glamorous side of professional dance and follows the behind-the-scenes soap opera stories of the dancers. A number of the dancers can't resist the city's nightlife and are chastised for being hung over at an early morning rehearsal. Maureen deals with her pushy stage mother. Cooper (Ethan Stiefel), the bad boy, seduces Jody (Amanda Schull). During a dress rehearsal, male lead Erik collapses in pain from an injury and his career hangs in the balance. Several girls struggle with their body types and especially their weight -- one is banished from the program for her healthy appetite.
Is It Any Good?
Young dance fans looking for a movie to call their own need look no further. Center Stage features lots of cool jazz and modern moves, but it also provides beautiful footage of traditional (and not-so-traditional) ballet. Cast in its leading roles are some excellent dancers, particularly Ethan Stiefel as Cooper, whose performance in "Stars and Stripes Forever" is truly amazing.
Although the dancing looks more than impressive to any lay viewer, it must be said that the choreography will probably strike professional dancers as unoriginal, emphasizing showmanship over artistry (think Flashdance).
Movie Details
Studio: Columbia Tristar, Director: Nicholas Hytner
Run time: 114 minutes
Theatrical release: 05/12/2000, DVD release: 10/24/2000
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for language and some sensuality
Run time: 114 minutes
Theatrical release: 05/12/2000, DVD release: 10/24/2000
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for language and some sensuality
Our Members Say
See all 6 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
VERY GOOD
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I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it
This movie made me want to become a ballet dancer!
This movie made me want to become a ballet dancer! There were two questionable sex scenes (one with Cooper Nielson, the choreographer, in his bedroom; the other on-stage). Just fast-forward to the next chapter and the only thing you'll miss is "that". I ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND THIS MOVIE TO TEENS AND ADULTS EVERYWHERE...YOU'LL FIND YOURSELF TRYING TO DO A TURNOUT OR A FANCY JUMP!
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I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it
Seriously
Could have gone without the elephant and mouse joke. Didn't make sense. And could have easily been toned down in a few other ways. But still a good movie. Entretainig if nothing else.
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I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it
best
its a great movie but not reccomended for people under 10.
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I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
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