Fantastic 'First Position'

 

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Film review of ‘First Position’

After having a quick flick through Netflix this week, I stumbled across a true gem of inspiration.

Following the journeys of multiple dedicated young ballet dancers ranging from 9-19 years old from Sicily to Columbia to California, the film/documentary ‘First Position’ looks at the lead up to the Youth America Grand Prix finals in New York – one of the most prestigious ballet competitions in the world.

The work these dancers put in is absolutely unbelievable! Miko (12) conveys to viewers the sorts of sacrifices that must be made in order to succeed: “I think I’ve had the right amount of childhood and the right amount of ballet”.

Working from beyond 9am-5pm, 7 days a week, the dancers unreservedly surrender the fun of any sort of social life. Furthermore, they often use almost medieval contraptions for foot shaping and strengthening, working through blisters, torn ligaments and other excruciating injuries in order to be the best and fulfil their potential – if they don’t, someone else will. One dance. Three minutes is what it all comes down to. With scholarships, work contracts and dreams in the balance, this film (documentary) perfectly captures the brutal, sometimes heart-breaking yet gritty truths of life as a professional ballet dancer – it’s certainly not all about sequins and princess tutus.

What I couldn’t cope with was not only the children’s work ethic but also the pressure and dedication from parents and coaches too. Even moving house and work in order to accommodate the young professionals’ dancing needs.  As you follow Aran (11), Rebecca (17), Joan Sebastian (16), Miko (12), Jules (10) and Michaela (14) through their inspirational yet emotional stories, you can honestly appreciate what these professional dancers must have in order to compete in this cut-throat industry.

Aran, a ballet dancer from 4 who after showing us his ‘BB’ gun, goes on to demonstrate his foot stretcher, the medieval-looking device to strengthen his feet and mould them into the perfect shape for his ballet career. His talent is extraordinary; in one of his routines alone he performs a 10 turn pirouette with outstanding control and precision.

Michaela, a survivor from Sierra Leone’s 12 year civil war, was adopted to America. After watching her own parents being shot dead and the mutilation of her teacher by rebels she lived at an orphanage until she was ‘rescued’ by her American parents. Against all the odds, she has become an incredible dancer. Born a true fighter, she continues with the competition despite a horrifically injured Achilles heel which could, at any moment, tear and ruin any hopes for a future career in dancing.

Rebecca, from America is probably the most ‘normal’ of these dancers, for example she has friends OUTSIDE of ballet (I know – shocking!) However she then goes on to describe herself as flexible as Barbie and you can see why:   ... This is almost gymnastics!

Miko and brother, Jules make sacrifices from a very young age (as does the rest of the family) on vacations and TV to family time and the simplicities of childhood – like school. After their demanding coach insists, their obsessive mother removes both children from school and are given home-schooling in order to be able to focus on being better at ballet. Despite her daughter losing her friends, Miko’s mother is more than happy to support this exhausting routine in order to give her child the best opportunities possible. But it makes me wonder: what will she look back on in ten year’s time – a fun childhood of dancing? Or a manic waste of time – all resting on whether she will be spotted for a career to make it worthwhile? The truly sad thing in my opinion is the continued pressure that in particular Miko suffers with and the worst is that the film is an unbiased documentary – they tell their routine to camera with a sheepish smile on their faces as though it’s not a big deal to lose your childhood – these are real people, not made up characters to make the profession look unobtainable, this is the reality of this beyond brutal industry.

Joan Sebastian from Columbia lives without his family in a new country (America) to fulfil his dreams of becoming a professional ballet dancer where a scholarship may change not only his but his entire family’s future. This highlights another problem of ballet – the expense! One scholarship alone can be over $50,000 and when this is put into harsh perspective by Joan Sebastian’s family – the monthly wage in Columbia for them is only $250 a month – it enables us to truly appreciate the pressure to attain a successful career in dancing.

As an avid dancer myself but by no means at all a professional – only for my own recreational enjoyment (ISTD Grade 6 Tap and Modern) – to see such determination at such a young age is truly awe-inspiring.

Overall: 5 stars.

I thoroughly recommend to anyone to watch this incredible film, whether a dance fanatic or not, this film is truly satisfying and honestly amazing! Thank goodness they decided to divert from the usual cliché of solely portraying the profession as a pathetic gossipy trade and instead focused more on the incredible ability, talent and drive of these young individuals by truthfully conveying the stunning career they have chosen.

Pictures: http://www.netflix.com/WiPlayer?movieid=70230564&trkid=50000128 + Own editing on Paint

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