Reviews
Review: New York Times – “Fledgling Ballerinas, Just Learning to Fly”
““Growing up, this was always a film I wished existed,” Ms. Kargman said from Los Angeles, one of many stops where she is promoting the movie. A native of Brookline, Mass., she studied ballet intensively at Boston Ballet as a child — in high school and college she switched to competitive ice hockey — and [...]
Read moreReview: Dance Magazine – “the film’s real appeal is in the backstories”
“First Position, a documentary following exceptional students from their home studios to the 2010 YAGP finals in New York City, not only shows the high-stakes nature of the competition, but the passion that these young dancers have for their art… The performances at YAGP provide a narrative and run the gamut from triumphant to heartbreaking, [...]
Read moreReview: Culture Catch – “Dancing for Their Souls”
“Not since Matthew Diamond’s splendid documentary on Paul Taylor, Dancemaker (1998), has a film honored the essence of Terpsichore, the muse of dance, so well as does First Position.” see full article
Read moreReview: The Women’s International Perspective – An “enthralling” documentary
“Being a ballerina is hard, and filmmaker Bess Kargman artfully builds the tension and suspense as she follows her subjects from their relentless practice schedules to the nerve-wracking stage at the many rounds of the Grand Prix competition… To be so devoted to your art, especially when you are obviously gifted at a young age, [...]
Read moreReview: Variety – “touching, enormously satisfying docu”
“Never putting a foot wrong, touching, enormously satisfying docu.” “Poised for breakout success, the pic combines the built-in drama, tension and suspense of docus such as “Spellbound,” with exciting, beautifully lensed variations performed by the virtuosos of the future.” see full article
Read moreReview and Interview: Criticize This – “a beautiful and thoughtful documentary”
“Kargman’s passion for her subject shines through and she has made a true masterpiece, a great feat for a first-time director.” see full article
Read moreReview: Now Toronto – another stellar review
“Along the way, the doc takes a frank look at costs, job opportunities, body issues, injuries and gender. There’s lots of great dance, plus a bit of unexpected humour thanks to one adorable 10-year-old who balks at his stage mom.” (Glenn Sumi) see full article
Read moreReview: Sound on Sight – “beautifully shot and evenly paced”
There are few joys in the world like watching someone who is extremely talented do what they love. This is the best thing First Position has to recommend it. The film follows a handful of ballet dancers, ages eleven through seventeen, as they train to compete in one of the most prestigious ballet competitions in [...]
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