Watch Prima

Prima is a 2013 documentary film directed by Teresa Reichlen, a former principal dancer for the New York City Ballet, and produced by Sarah Jessica Parker. The film follows the journey of 12-year old student, Aran Bell, as he aspires to become a professional ballet dancer. The movie takes place in two of the most prestigious ballet schools in the world: The Royal Ballet School in London, England and the Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia. The story follows Aran as he attends auditions, trains with world-class teachers, and performs with prestigious ballet companies.

One of the main themes of the movie is the intense and rigorous training that is required to become a professional ballet dancer. The film shows us the physically demanding nature of ballet as we see Aran and other students pushing their bodies to the limit, constantly striving for perfection. We see the students in classes, rehearsals, and private lessons, all of which require an incredible amount of discipline and dedication.

Throughout the movie, we also see the importance of sacrifice in the pursuit of one's dreams. Aran, for instance, sacrifices time with family and friends in order to train and audition for different dance companies. We see the many challenges he faces, including homesickness and physical injuries, yet he persists, driven by his love for dance and his desire to succeed.

Another theme of the movie is the pursuit of excellence. We see this in the teachers, who are themselves former dancers and who strive to impart their knowledge and experience onto the next generation. We see this in the students, who are often perfectionists, constantly striving to improve and perfect their technique.

Prima also highlights the unique experiences of young dancers, from the excitement of traveling to new places, to the pressure of competing against peers for the limited spots in prestigious companies. We see the camaraderie that develops among the students, as they support and encourage each other even while competing against each other.

The film also gives us insight into the inner workings of the ballet world, including the politics involved in company auditions, and the opinions of choreographers, who often have specific images in mind when they cast a particular dancer.

Overall, Prima provides a fascinating and intimate look into the lives of young dancers who aspire to greatness, and the sacrifices and dedication it takes to make it in the world of professional ballet. The film is beautifully shot and features stunning performances by Aran and other students, as well as interviews with some of the most well-respected figures in the dance world.

Prima is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 57 minutes.