Watch Ballerina I'm Not

Ballerina I'm Not is an inspiring documentary film released in 2017 that explores the life and career of one of the pioneers of women's wrestling, Mildred Burke. The movie features interviews with her daughter and iconic figures from the world of professional wrestling, including Rick Bassman and Herb Dean. The film begins by introducing Mildred Burke, a woman who broke barriers in the male-dominated sport of wrestling and became a sensation in the 1930s and 1940s. She is credited with being the first women's wrestling champion and played a vital role in popularizing the sport. Throughout the movie, viewers are taken on a journey through her life, from her humble beginnings in Kansas to her rise to fame.

One of the most noteworthy things about Mildred Burke's story is her marriage to her promoter, Billy Wolfe. Wolfe controlled almost every aspect of her life, including her training schedule, diet, and even her relationships. Women wrestlers in that era had to endure outrageous demands from their promoters, and Burke was no exception. Despite the physical and emotional demands placed on her, Burke continued to wrestle and fight for women's rights in the sport.

Ballerina I'm Not delves into the sexism and obstacles faced by women wrestlers of Mildred Burke's time. They were subjected to a different standard in terms of requirements and payments. There was a lot of social and cultural pressure on them to conform to gender norms, and female wresters were often looked down upon, and their sport considered a form of entertainment. Burke went against the norm and carved a path for future generations of women wrestlers.

The movie features footage of Mildred Burke's matches, which serves as a testament to the strength and talent she possessed. It is a reminder of how groundbreaking her career was and how much she contributed towards today's women's wrestling. The interviews with notable figures from the world of wrestling give viewers a glimpse of the impact Burke had on the sport.

Ballerina I'm Not also delves into Burke's life after wrestling. After her career came to an end, she went on to open her wrestling school, where she trained and mentored future generations of wrestlers. Her school was a safe haven for women wrestlers offering them opportunities they hadn't had previously. She continued to fight tirelessly for women's wrestling until her death.

Overall, Ballerina I'm Not is a powerful and inspiring movie that offers viewers a chance to delve into the life and career of a women wrestling pioneer. It showcases the struggles that women wrestlers faced in the past, and the progress that has been made. It serves as a fitting tribute to Mildred Burke, who was unquestionably one of the most influential figures in women's wrestling history.

In conclusion, Ballerina I'm Not is a must-watch for all fans of professional wrestling, especially those interested in the history of the sport. The story of Mildred Burke is a testament to the power human perseverance, and her impact can still be felt today in the women's wrestling industry. The documentary is a moving tribute to an extraordinary woman who overcame extraordinary obstacles, and it is impossible not to be moved by her story.