First Position Documentary – Best of the Best
Ballet first position: The feet are aligned and touching heel to heel, making as nearly a straight alignment as possible. The knees are also touching with legs straightened.
First position is also the first thing most ballet dancers learn in their initial dance classes. It’s no mistake that director Bess Kargman chose this defining term to title her award-winning documentary on the intense, difficult and often painful world of ballet.
First Position follows seven talented dancers, age 10-17, over the course of a year as they prepare for the Youth America Grand Prix, an international competition that awards scholarships to top ballet schools and ballet contracts to older dancers.
In the initial minutes of the film, it’s apparent why these dancers were chosen. You immediately pull for them and want them to succeed. Your heart hurts for the dancer (not even featured in the film) crying in the arms of her teacher; out for the season with an injury.
These kids have unyielding passion, work ethic and dedication for their craft. Their parents are committed (some debatably overly so) to helping their dreams come true, and their personal stories are all touching.
First Position beautifully shows in 93 minutes that training seriously in ballet is not for the weary. It is a great film for dancers, dance lovers, and great movie lovers.
It is no surprise that First Position has earned the audience choice’s 1st runner-up for Best Documentary at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival, the Jury Prize at the San Francisco Doc Fest, the audience award for Best Documentary at the Dallas International Film Festival, the audience award for Best Documentary at the Portland International Film Festival, and the audience award for Best Documentary at DOC NYC.
It was interesting watching First Position with my own two dancer daughters, one being the same age as the sublimely talented youth featured in the film. They enjoyed watching the routines performed in the film. Missing school activities, sleepovers, and parties also resonated due to dance commitments.
It’s incredible to see the endless determination of these artists turn from tens of thousands of hours of hard work on one genre of dance into the goal they are trying to accomplish. The feeling as the viewer is so gratifying — it’s impossible to imagine how the dancers must feel!
It’s important to note that one, even four classes a week does not make a First Position candidate. Our jobs as studio owners, teachers, and personnel are to help each child with their own dance goals, be it recreationally or professionally.
If one is looking for a bit of motivation, First Position is perfect vehicle to get you on your feet…and on to second!
The trailer for First Position can be seen below and the full film can be rented On Demand or on iTunes.