First Position

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First Position

Released May 4, 2012

1h 30m

Documentary

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93%

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76 Reviews

84%

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10,000+ Ratings

Six young ballet students, all from different backgrounds, prepare for the Youth America Grand Prix, a competition in which dance schools and companies from around the world scout for new talent.

Critics Consensus

An upbeat and visually dramatic documentary of children's ballet, First Position displays the potential of the human spirit when fostered at a young age.

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Derek Malcolm

London Evening Standard

Anyone with an interest in dance should enjoy this documentary ...

Rated: 3/5

Apr 12, 2013

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David Jenkins

Little White Lies

Settles for heartwarming "follow your dreams" platitudes rather than following the cold realities of being a dancer.

Rated: 2/5

Apr 11, 2013

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Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

A blandly feelgood documentary about aspiring young ballet dancers.

Rated: 1/5

Apr 11, 2013

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Allen Almachar

The MacGuffin

Director Bess Kargman has given us a documentary that doesn't present much beyond what we have seen in other films like it, but is an entertaining and enjoyable experience nonetheless.

Rated: B

Jul 31, 2020

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Debbie Lynn Elias

Behind The Lens

A beautiful film, First Position will keep you on your toes.

Nov 26, 2019

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Jo-Ann Titmarsh

CineVue

Whilst the filmmaking is pedestrian, the dancers -- to paraphrase Joan's teacher -- "fly"... Kargman may not earn first position, but these dancers most certainly do.

Rated: 3/5

Feb 13, 2019

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Audience Member

This was like "Spellbound" but with ballet. Very intense.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/12/23

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Audience Member

Stunning, beautiful, and heartbreaking all in one. First Position is a fantastic documentary, and likely the best of its kind that I have ever seen. Everyone, but especially athletes who are not ballet dancers should appreciate and be floored by the kind of pressure and demand that these world-class kids need to put forth to simply get a chance to do what they love. I don't believe is classifying one sport over another, but ballet is simply insane. Each child is an interesting subject, some displaying immense maturity for their age, others showcasing their intense passion for dance in their routines. I loved following their stories through their journeys. First Position is my favorite movie I've seen this year, and is well worth a watch, regardless your opinion of dance or sport.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/08/23

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Audience Member

Best movie ever! So inspiring.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/04/23

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Audience Member

A beautiful portrayal of what unyielding passion, resilience and dedication can accomplish. First Position is beyond inspirational and showcases the elegance, grace and hardships of the art of ballet.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/20/23

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Audience Member

Another ballet focussed fim about the stress involved in international competition. Elements of this film can be wearing.... we know there will be 'winners" and "losers" and Director Bess Kargman focuses on a varied group of motivated students and pushy parents. This film is well worth you time. Bravo to all!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/24/23

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Audience Member

Thoroughly entertaining with a perfect look into the pressures of being a young dancer with hopes and dreams.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/13/23

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Bess Kargman

Director

Aran Bell

Actor

Rebecca Houseknecht

Actor

Joan Sebastian Zamora

Actor

Juliet Doherty

Actor

Susan Jaffe

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Synopsis

Six young ballet students, all from different backgrounds, prepare for the Youth America Grand Prix, a competition in which dance schools and companies from around the world scout for new talent.

Director: Bess Kargman
Producer: Bess Kargman
Distributor: IFC Films
Production Co: First Position Films
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 4, 2012, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 5, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $894.5K
Runtime: 1h 30m

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