First Position review

A documentary looking into the professional ballet competition circuit

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If you thought Black Swan made ballet look grim, this festival-fave documentary offers an earthier but no less griping portrait of the profession’s crippling realities.

First-time director Bess Kargman combines the stories of six young hopefuls preparing for a prestigious ballet competition.

Despite the extremes to which they’re pushing their bodies, all six are charismatic and touchingly devoid of ego.

There’s a whiff of contrivance in how neatly the strands tie together, but it’s easily forgotten as Kargman weaves dreams and agonies with the visceral thrill of the dance.

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Writer

Emma Didbin is a writer and journalist who has contributed to GamesRadar+, The New York Times, Elle, Esquire, The Hollywood Reporter, Vulture, and more. Emma can currently be found in Los Angeles where she is pursuing a career in TV writing. Emma has also penned two novels, and somehow finds the time to write scripts for Parcast – the Spotify-owned network that creates thrilling true crime and mystery podcasts.