Center Stage (2000)

The film Center Stage, directed by Nicholas Hytner in 2000, is about a group of teenage ballet dancers from varied backgrounds who join at the imaginary American Ballet Academy in New York City. The film delves into the concerns and hardships that face professional dancers, as well as how each individual copes with the pressures. This was Zoe Saldana and Amanda Schull's feature picture debut. The film follows their quest to build a reputation for themselves and compete in big-league events in order to triumph in the cutthroat world of competitive ballet.

Center Stage doesn't try too hard, but it has the delights of a musical. It concludes with two large ballet routines that are beautifully created and danced, and along the way there are joyful and free rehearsals and scenes in a popular Broadway dance class. Film is a beautiful way to see dance because it brings you closer and changes your perspective, but there hasn't been enough of it since the demise of the Hollywood musical.

Director: Nicholas Hytner
Casts: Amanda Schull, Zoe Saldana, Susan May Pratt
IMDb: 6,7