Film Review: Ballerina (2013) – A Rare Glimpse into the Grace and Grit of Russian Ballet
Directed by Bertrand Normand, Ballerina (2013) is a captivating and intimate documentary that explores the world of ballet through the lives of five dancers from the prestigious Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg, Russia. This cinematic piece offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to become — and remain — a top ballerina in one of the world’s most revered ballet institutions.
Ballerina is not a fictional drama or a choreographed fantasy. It is a raw, elegant, and sometimes painful journey into the reality of a ballerina’s life. The film follows five female dancers at different stages in their careers: from young students at the Vaganova Academy to seasoned professionals performing lead roles on the Mariinsky stage.
These women are not simply performers; they are artists, athletes, and warriors of discipline. The documentary blends rehearsal footage, personal interviews, and performance clips to show the contrast between the beauty of ballet and the grueling effort required behind the scenes.
Among the featured dancers are Evgenia Obraztsova, Alina Somova, and Diana Vishneva—each representing a different era and approach to ballet.
Evgenia Obraztsova represents youth and natural talent, a rising star on the verge of international acclaim.
Alina Somova is showcased as a technically gifted dancer with a rebellious style, navigating the tension between personal identity and classical discipline.
Diana Vishneva, already a renowned principal dancer, exemplifies the height of achievement, embodying both grace and emotional depth in her artistry.
Each dancer’s story is compelling and unique, giving audiences a multifaceted view of life within the elite world of Russian ballet.
Visually, Ballerina is a treat. The film captures the quiet beauty of Saint Petersburg, the historical majesty of the Mariinsky Theatre, and the poetic movement of bodies in motion. Director Bertrand Normand uses a restrained but elegant style, allowing the dancers and their world to speak for themselves.
The contrast between the pristine stage performances and the harsh realities of training — bloodied feet, tears, exhaustion — adds depth and realism to the portrayal. This is not ballet romanticized; this is ballet revealed.
The score, primarily featuring classical music, enhances the emotion without overwhelming the narrative. The music flows in harmony with the dancers’ movements, amplifying the drama, triumphs, and heartbreaks of their journeys.
At its core, Ballerina explores themes of sacrifice, ambition, tradition, and the fragile balance between discipline and passion. It delves into the psychology of perfection, the cost of greatness, and the pressure of maintaining excellence in a competitive, often unforgiving art form.
Ballerina (2013) is a mesmerizing documentary that invites viewers into a world few get to see so closely. It strips away the glitter of performance and reveals the iron will behind the artistry. For ballet lovers and newcomers alike, it offers an unforgettable look at what it truly means to dedicate one's life to dance.
Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of ballet or the human stories behind the curtain, Ballerina is a powerful, poignant film that deserves your attention.
