Centre Stage, despite the abundance of relatively poor reviews, is one of those films that "everyone has seen". Directed by Nicholas Hynter and released in 2000, the film documents the journey of twelve young dancers who have auditioned, and subsequently gained entry into, a major Ballet Academy in New York City. The personal and social dramas that accompany the pressure of making the Ballet "leagues" so to speak, are showcased in the film (albeit overly dramatised by a weak female lead - Amanda Schull), as are the politics of Ballet and conformance to expectations (like bulimia).
Regardless of whether or not the film was actually 'good', Centre Stage is a teen drama that has survived the test of time. 14 years on and the younger generations still iconacise the film as "that dance movie" that every young Ballet dancer aspires to. For that, the film should be credited. Sure, the acting was weak, particularly the chemistry between the Schull and her love interest (played by Sascha Radestsky), and the plot was unrealistic and over-dramatic, but the dancing was truly impressive, and "every girl's dream".
IMDb rating: 6.6/10
My rating: 8/10
Check out the trailer and rate for yourself:
Sarah R
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