Product Details

• Actors: Aran Bell, Gaya Bommer Yemini, Michaela DePrince, Joan Sebastian Zamora, Miko Fogarty
• Directors: Bess Kargman
• Format: Color, NTSC, Widescreen
• Language: English
• Subtitles: English, Spanish
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: Unrated
• Studio: MPI HOME VIDEO
• DVD Release Date: October 30, 2012
• Run Time: 94 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (99 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B008LC8RKE
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,176 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
  • #6 in Movies & TV > DVD > Performing Arts
  • #23 in Movies & TV > DVD > Special Interests

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

As young aspiring ballet dancers approach a competition that could make or break their careers, the emotional stakes are so high that it's almost cheating to make a movie about them--the documentarians wisely stay out of the way, because how could anyone not get drawn in by these kids? Fourteen-year-old Michaela survived being orphaned in Sierra Leone, where she witnessed horrific atrocities, and now she fights against prejudice and assumptions to become an African-American ballerina. Eleven-year-old Aran is a balletic wunderkind who rides skateboards and plays video games, but his heart belongs to dance. Joan Sebastian, 16 years old, has come to New York from Colombia, where his family's annual income is a fraction of the scholarship he must win to pursue his career. They and other young dancers are caught between their parents and their instructors, who offer them love and encouragement but demand rigorous, unstinting dedication to one of the most physically challenging and painful art forms ever created. That these kids can sustain any passion for dancing is a miracle--and their dancing is sublime. First Position, like the spelling bee documentary Spellbound, combines fascinating portraits of gifted kids with the nail-biting suspense of fierce competition. Some scenes will make your heart leap; other scenes will make your heart break. It's a beautiful documentary, compelling and compassionate. --Bret Fetzer

Product Description

Every year, thousands of aspiring dancers enter one of the world's most prestigious ballet competitions, the Youth America Grand Prix, where lifelong dreams are at stake. In the final round, with hundreds competing for only a handful of elite scholarships and contracts, practice and discipline are paramount, and nothing short of perfection is expected. The box office hit documentary, Bess Kargman's award-winning FIRST POSITION follows six young dancers as they prepare for a chance to enter the world of professional ballet, struggling through bloodied feet, near exhaustion and debilitating injuries, all while navigating the drama of adolescence. A showcase of awe-inspiring talent, tenacity and passion, FIRST POSITION paints a thrilling and moving portrait of the most gifted young ballet stars of tomorrow.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Riveting, suspenseful ballet documentary June 9, 2012

By K. Corn TOP 100 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase

No one in our family has been especially drawn to ballet and yet we were totally immersed in this compelling documentary. First Position is one of those rare films which dancers probably won't want to miss and non- dancers could find surprisingly enjoyable. I'm surprised it hasn't received national attention and major press coverage- or has it and I somehow missed it?

The director of First Position offers a close- up and intimate portrait of a group of young dancers preparing to compete in an elite (and potentially life changing) competition and wisely steps back and lets the dancers, their instructors, and parents reveal the details of their lives.

It is amazing that some have even had the opportunity to dance. Michaela was adopted from Sierra Leone, miraculously beating the odds to come to America. Joan Sebastian only sees his parents a few times a year because he has to live in New York instead of Columbia to pursue his dreams. One girl is home schooled so there is more time for dance class, a life which seems very isolated but she is so passionate about ballet that she doesn't appear to mind.

Until watching this film, I had no idea that ballet could cause so many injuries. Pain is taken for granted. I winced when I saw the blackened toenails, cuts and bruises which were revealed as the ballet shoes were removed.

It was a brilliant decision to reveal the daily lives of these dancers and to ramp up the suspense and reveal unexpected challenges as the competition drew near. By that time, we were rooting for each dancer and holding our breath as they performed in the finals.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Glued from the beginning June 1, 2012

By Michelle King

Format:DVD

I normally don't write reviews, but I had to for this. I am a ballet dancer and thought it would be a cute documentary, but nothing really engaging. I was completely wrong! The amazing things the young people can do never ceases to amaze me. I highly recommend this feature presentation as soon as it is available on dvd. Meanwhile, I'm going to watch it a second and third time in the theaters.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A must see, A must have June 11, 2012

By Vay Vay

Format:DVD

As the grandmother of a dancer, this film portrayed the hard work and sacrifices that are made. However, it is not only the dancer that makes the sacrifices, but the family as well. The beauty of it all is amazing, but it is constant training. Just like a muscle builder a dancer must train daily. This film looks into the lives of 6 dancers, sometimes funny, but most of all it is inspiring, well done and a film to watch over and over. I don't understand why this did not get national attention.