Review of A Ballerina's Tale (2015) by Amanda C — 29 Jan 2016

Misty Copeland has almost singlehandedly made ballet cool. She has also started a mainstream conversation on what constitutes a ballerina within a world that is steeped in a history of colonialism and white supremacy.

This makes Copeland a perfect subject to build a documentary around issues of body image and race that are so ingrained in the sport. Unfortunately director Nelson George never quite manages to decide if this is a film about Copeland herself, black ballerina's in general, or what it takes to be a ballerina.

All of these subjects could have been integrated, by George never manages this feat. The result is a film that feels confused and muddled. The film also glosses over the more difficult parts of Copeland's life and career, which undercuts the message of the barriers that dancers of colour face in ballet.

A Ballerina's Tale's saving grace is its subject. There is a reason that Copeland is as popular as she is. She is well spoken, charismatic and personable. It's hard not to enjoy watching her dance and train.

The backstage shots of the ballet and the dance sequences are interesting for dance fans. But in the end, there is not enough substance to make A Ballerina's Tale work.