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First Position

Play trailer Poster for First Position Released May 4, 2012 1h 30m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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93% Tomatometer 76 Reviews 84% Popcornmeter 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.

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First Position

First Position

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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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Critics Reviews

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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 Full Review 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 Full Review Peter Bradshaw Guardian A blandly feelgood documentary about aspiring young ballet dancers. Rated: 1/5 Apr 11, 2013 Full Review 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 Full Review Debbie Lynn Elias Behind The Lens A beautiful film, First Position will keep you on your toes. Nov 26, 2019 Full Review 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 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Audience Member This was like "Spellbound" but with ballet. Very intense. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/12/23 Full Review 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 Full Review Audience Member Best movie ever! So inspiring. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/04/23 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Read all reviews
First Position

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Cast & Crew

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Bess Kargman

Director

Aran Bell

Actor

Rebecca Houseknecht

Actor

Joan Sebastian Zamora

Actor

Juliet Doherty

Actor

Susan Jaffe

Actor

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First Position

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Movie Info

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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