First Position review

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.

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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.