Educational Media Reviews Online

This documentary examines the 230 year old Moscow Academy for Choreography and students who wish to become professional dancers. The Academy is one of seven state-run schools in Russia. It accepts a mere 44 students per year, 22 girls and 22 boys for the first year program. Children must be 10 years old in order to apply. Over 700 applicants apply for those few spots so the competition is extreme. The film includes interviews with several students, their parents and their teachers.

An extremely physically demanding program is used to weed out the children who simply can’t make it through. There are strict weight, height and dietary rules. Physical checkups are performed as well as body measurements. Some children who attend are there because it is what their parents insist on while others are there for a true love of dance. One student explained that her best friends are at the school and she has nothing in common with people outside of the school. Most aspire to perform with the world renowned Bolshoi Ballet. The children have amazing strength, discipline and drive to achieve their goals.

While the film is a bit slow in parts, it is overall a very interesting look at this exclusive school. It is recommended for libraries with dance collections.