13 Popular Ballet Movies with Synopsis

Ballet movies run the gamut: dark and foreboding, melodramas, character studies, and reality-based. The following random listing of ballet-themed movies interest me**.  I’ve seen many of them and enjoyed the world of ballet they choose to share. Personally, I enjoy real dancers in real studios working on real choreography. Enjoy. Let me know which ones catch your interest and imagination.

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La Danse – Le Ballet de l’Opéra de Paris….. 2009….. 159 minutes
Synopsis:
In La danse, Wiseman allows us to observe multiple corners of the Paris Opera Ballet, from rehearsal studios to costume rooms to administrative offices.
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Ballerina …..2006….. 77 minutes
Synopsis
This documentary begins with a young dancer’s acceptance into Russia’s prestigious Kirov Ballet. Using her story and that of four other ballerinas at various stages in their careers, the film sheds light not only on the individual dancers, but also on the significance of ballet in Russian culture.
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Ballets Russes …..2005….. 118 minutes
Synopsis
Ballets Russes is an intimate portrait of a group of pioneering artists – now in their 70s, 80s and 90s – who gave birth to modern ballet.
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The Red Shoes ….. 1948….. 133 minutes
Synopsis
A Technicolor epic that influenced generations of filmmakers, artists, and aspiring ballerinas, The Red Shoes intricately weaves backstage life with the thrill of performance. Moira Shearer is a rising star ballerina torn between an idealistic composer and a ruthless impresario intent on perfection. (A chance to see an old movie, complete with over-the-top drama.)
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Ballet….. 1995….. 170 minutes
Synopsis
Veteran documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman turns his rigorous gaze on the cultural institution of classical dance in Ballet, an epic account of days and nights with the premier US national company, American Ballet Theater.
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The Turning Point …..1977….. 119 minutes
Synopsis
When her daughter joins a ballet company, a former dancer is forced to confront her long-ago decision to give up the stage to have a family. (Starring Anne Bancroft and Shirley MacLaine)
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Mao’s Last Dancer….. 2009…..117 minutes
Synopsis
Plucked from his childhood village, subjected to years of vigorous ballet training and threatened during the Cultural Revolution, Cunxin decides to leave China at great risk to himself and those he loves, for an uncertain future. (Based on a true story)
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The Company …..2003….. 113 minutes
Synopsis
A behind-the-scenes look at the world of dance as seen through the eyes of a talented young dancer on the brink of success. (Starring: Neve Campbell, Malcolm McDowell, James Franco)
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Ballet Shoes ….. 2007
Synopsis
Ballet Shoes is British television adaptation of Noel Streatfeild’s novel Ballet Shoes first Broadcast on BBC One in 1975. Adapted from the series which aired in six parts.
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Ballet 422 ….. 2015….. NEW Movie
Synopsis
From first rehearsal to world premiere, BALLET 422 takes us backstage at New York City Ballet as Justin Peck, a young up-and-coming choreographer, crafts a new work. BALLET 422 illuminates the process behind the creation of a single ballet within the ongoing cycle of work at one of the world’s great ballet companies.
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The Children of Theatre Street …..1977….. 90 minutes
Synopsis
The Kirov Ballet in Leningrad is probably the most-filmed dance school in the world, but filmmaker Robert Dornhelm manages to pull fresh coals from the fire in Children of Theatre Street.
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Center Stage ….. 2000….. 118 minutes
Follow a group of ballet students in the competitive world of professional dance where they must devote themselves to their art with the rigor of Olympic athletes. While experiencing the joys, sorrows and conflicts of youth they vie for a place in a prestigious ballet company and strive to take center stage.
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First Position….. 2011….. 95 minutes

American documentary film. It follows six young dancers preparing for the Youth America Grand Prix in New York City, an annual competition for dancers ages 9–19 to earn a place at an elite ballet company or school.

** All are available on line; many are free. Enjoy!!