Synopsis
Every year, thousands of aspiring dancers enter one of the world's most prestigious ballet competitions, the Youth America Grand Prix, where lifelong dreams are at stake. In the final round, with hundreds competing for only a handful of elite scholarships and contracts, practice and discipline are paramount, and nothing short of perfection is expected. Bess Kargman's award-winning documentary, FIRST POSITION, follows six young dancers as they prepare for a chance to enter the world of professional ballet, struggling through bloodied feet, near exhaustion and debilitating injuries, all while navigating the drama of adolescence. A showcase of awe-inspiring talent, tenacity and passion, First Position paints a thrilling and moving portrait of the most gifted young ballet stars of tomorrow.—©IFC



“Each of the six young subjects vying for the Youth America Grand Prix (and the priceless award of a full scholarship to a top ballet school) is a wonder of self-imposed discipline in service to art.”—Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly

“These performers are so young, so serious, so full of dreams and so hard on themselves that it is difficult not to be moved by their striving.”—Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times

“Never putting a foot wrong, tyro helmer Bess Kargman's touching, enormously satisfying docu FIRST POSITION follows six gifted ballet students from disparate social, regional, economic and ethnic backgrounds as they prepare for the Youth America Grand Prix.”—Alissa Simon, Variety