Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Great ballet docu about five girls with no iffy content.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
BALLERINA creates vivid portraits of five female dancers in the Kirov Ballet. Alina Somova is a promising graduate of the Kirov Academy in her first year with the company. Evguenya Obraztsova is a second-year member on a clear path to greatness. Svetlana Zakharova, Diana Vichneva, and Ulyana Lopatkina are already prima ballerinas, acknowledged stars of the dance. The film introduces teachers, choreographers, and company leaders who disclose what it takes to be the best, and give us a glimpse into their own commitment to ballet. But the young women are the focus. The many filmed interviews and dance sequences -- in the classroom, rehearsal studio, and on stage of the Mariinsky Theatre -- reveal their uncommon talent and individuality.
Is It Any Good?
Beautifully filmed, with an emphasis on the dancers' passion for their art, Ballerina succeeds in creating memorable pictures of talented young women driven to succeed. Audiences will root for each of them and admire them for their devotion, their work ethic, and their spirit.
Diane Baker's English narration is easy-to-understand. The Russian ballerinas, who speak enough English to give clarity to their thoughts, are delightful, engaging, and very relatable.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the enormous work and devotion that young ballerinas commit to. What are some of the things they give up to pursue their goals?
Is there an art, sport, occupation, or way of life you think you'd be willing to undertake knowing the sacrifices and/or rewards you might experience?
What aspects of the elite ballet world are not shown or discussed in this documentary?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 31, 2006
- On DVD or streaming : July 21, 2009
- Cast : Alina Somova , Evguenya Obraztsova , Uliana Lopatkina
- Director : Bertrand Normand
- Studio : First Run Features
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Arts
- Run time : 77 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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