First Position Trailer

 One is born to be a great dancer.

           ~ George Balanchine

The six breathtaking young dancers appearing in First Position, the feature-length documentary leaping into theaters in May, are fabulously gifted. They possess phenomenal flexibility and focus. Desire and determination. Plus the willingness to go ever deeper into their edge. They could well be yogis—constant pain notwithstanding.

From the film’s site, www.balletdocumentary.com:

With unprecedented (and exclusive) access to the Youth America Grand Prix, the largest competition that awards full scholarships to top ballet schools, First Position takes audiences on a yearlong journey around the world.  At a time when art, music and dance for children are severely under-funded, the film reveals the struggles and success, the pain and extraordinary beauty of an art form so many children across the globe are determined to dedicate their lives to…despite the odds.

Extra! From the other end of the spectrum:

Tony Bennett a Zen master? If the man can keep singing like that at 85 after leaving his heart in San Francisco, he’s not only a Zen master, he’s a Living Treasure.