Review of First Position (2011) by Christopher G — 14 May 2012

For some reason, I find that young kids who are really good at things to be absolutely captivating. First Position combines the stories of several young children who are semi-finalists in one of the most prestigious competitions for young ballet students--winners can be given scholarships and offered positions in world famous ballet companies.

We meet several of these young students--a young boy whose father took an additional tour in Kuwait just so he could continue learning ballet in Italy, a Colombian teen who moved to the States alone to further his career, a young woman adopted from Sierra Leone whose lifelong dream was to become a ballerina like she saw in a magazine when she was little, a long legged "Barbie" who must decide whether she wants to make a career out of dancing, and a driven pre-teen who is seemingly even more ambitious than her Tiger Mom.

The kids suffer through physical and emotional trials that rival any other sport, but their passion and dedication to their craft shines through in their dancing. Even if you're not into ballet, this flick really showcases what it takes to make it as an artist. Everyone can appreciate the strive for perfection.