First Position

"First Position is a documentary about ballet but it’s also a story of youth, ambition and the pressure to be the best. The focal point is the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix and for all those involved in the competition, particularly the older teens hoping to secure contracts at top ballet companies, the stakes are high."

"Touching, enormously satisfying documentary."

"If you thought Black Swan made ballet look grim, this festival-fave documentary offers an earthier but no less griping portrait of the profession's crippling realities."

"Could brighten the most forlorn perspective on the state of the American dream."

"An appealing, largely upbeat documentary."

"It's humane, involving and inspirational."

"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."

"Settles for heartwarming "follow your dreams" platitudes rather than following the cold realities of being a dancer."

"Overcomes its predictable elements thanks to the inherent visual drama of watching children strain their bodies to the limit in obsessive pursuit of their goals."

"A touching look at ballet's battle-hardened youngsters."

"The stakes of the final competition are heart-poundingly high, even for those who don't give a damn about tights and tutus."