Ep 1. Survival of the Fittest

After being given unprecedented access inside a professional ballet company in Salt Lake City, viewers are introduced to the dancers of Ballet West in the first episode of Breaking Pointe season 1. Survival of the Fittest sets the stage for what's to come throughout the season, showcasing the intensity of the dancers' daily routines and performances, as well as the emotional struggles they face behind the scenes.

The episode begins with Ballet West's Artistic Director, Adam Sklute, announcing to the dancers that the company will be performing the classic ballet, Sleeping Beauty. He explains that they will be performing the original choreography by Marius Petipa, which is notoriously difficult and requires a high level of skill and stamina from the dancers.

Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to several of the company's dancers, including Principal Dancers Beckanne Sisk and Ronnie Underwood, Soloist Allison DeBona, and Corps de Ballet member Katie Martin. Each dancer is shown both in rehearsals and in their personal lives, providing insight into the challenges they face in and out of the studio.

One of the main themes of Survival of the Fittest is the physical toll that ballet takes on the dancers' bodies. Through interviews and footage of the dancers' intense daily training, viewers see just how demanding their profession is. Allison DeBona is shown receiving treatment for injuries, including a painful bone spur, while Beckanne Sisk grapples with the pressure to maintain her physique while staying healthy.

In addition to the physical demands, the episode also explores the emotional toll that ballet can take on the dancers. Ronnie Underwood shares his struggles with the pressure to perform at a high level and the constant fear of being replaced by younger dancers. Katie Martin also opens up about the difficulties of being a corps de ballet member and trying to stand out among the other dancers.

Survival of the Fittest culminates in the dress rehearsal for Sleeping Beauty, where viewers get a glimpse of the dancers' talent and dedication on full display. The cast gives it their all, but the pressure and intensity of the performance take a toll on some of the dancers, including Allison DeBona, who becomes emotional while discussing the challenges she has faced.

Ultimately, Survival of the Fittest sets the stage for what's to come throughout the rest of Breaking Pointe season 1. Viewers are introduced to the world of professional ballet and the challenges that the dancers face both physically and emotionally. As the season progresses, tensions rise and relationships are tested as the company works towards their next performances.