Whether you're looking to brush up on your dance moves or not, pas de bour&eacute;e over to these classic ballet movies.

Center Stage

A group of young <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/ballet-trend-on-pointe-tiny-pretty-things-netflix-dance-show" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ballet</a> dancers from across the country are admitted to the fictional American Ballet Academy in hopes of furthering their professional careers. While conquering new relationships, new challenges, and New York City, the friends learn that the world of ballet may not be as forgiving as they are. <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/travel-living/red-bull-dance-your-style-competition-recap-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Center Stage</a> also marks the film debut of actress <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/celebrities-lookalikes-natalie-portman-margot-robbie" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zoe Saldana</a>.

A Ballerina's Tale

Photo: Instagram @mistyonpointe

This documentary examines the prodigious rise of African-American ballerina Misty Copeland. When her injury could potentially end her career in the elite ballet world, Copeland fights her way back to the top. The project also explores themes of body image and race.

On Pointe

<a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/ballet-trend-on-pointe-tiny-pretty-things-netflix-dance-show" target="_blank" rel="noopener">On Pointe</a> is a six-part documentary that follows students aged nine to 17 at the School of American Ballet in New York City. This school was established in 1934 by George Balanchine and the philanthropist Lincoln Kirsten. The documentary explores the dedication, passion, and hard work of the students as well as the often unforgiving nature of ballet.

First Position

First Position follows six young ballet students from diverse backgrounds as they prepare for the Youth America Grand Prix. Dance companies from all over the world attend the competition to discover new talents while dancers perform in hopes of being selected to join their troupe.

Black Swan

Photo: Instagram @film_buffoon_

The iconic film <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/film-tv/five-dance-movies-to-watch-again-and-again" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Black Swan</a> starring <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/where-celebrities-went-to-college-meryl-streep-natalie-portman-oprah" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Natalie Portman</a>, tells the story of Nina, a ballerina who has the opportunity to play Princess Odette, the white swan, in her company's performance of Swan Lake. However, she gradually descends into madness when the art director decides that Lily (Mila Kunis) could fill the role. The Mulleavy sisters, who own the Rodarte label, designed the costumes for this Oscar-nominated ballet thriller.

Billy Eliott

Photo: Instagram @billy__elliot

Billy Eliott tells the story of an 11-year-old son of a coal miner in the north of England. He stumbles upon a ballet class one day during his boxing lesson and from there develops a passion for <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/international-dance-day-2021-fashion-films-ballet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dance</a>. His natural talent is recognized by instructor Ms. Wilkinson, setting Billy on a path in hopes of one day joining the Royal Ballet School in London.&nbsp;

The Turning Point

The Turning Point is a dramatic tale set in the world of New York ballet. It was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, including Best Film. The story is a fictional rendering of the Brown family and the friendship between ballerinas Isabel Mirrow Brown and Nora Kaye. Brown's daughter Leslie stars in the film alongside Sex and the City's Mikhail Baryshnikov.

7 Ballet Films and Documentaries to Watch Now

Tags

Related Articles

Pop culture

Was 2020 the Year of the Ballet?

Pop culture

Prima Ballerina Maria Tallchief's Most Inspirational Quotes

Pop culture

Celebrate International Dance Day With Fashion and Film

Recommended posts for you

Fashion

See NYC's Most Exciting Store Openings in 2025

Fashion

Daisy Edgar-Jones Channels '90s Gwyneth Paltrow in a Matching Green Schiaparelli Set

Pop culture

Who Is Miles Caton? Meet the Actor, Singer From Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners'

Fashion

L’HISTOIRE: John Galliano’s Sex and Sacrilege Dior Haute Couture Show in 2000

Music

Addison Rae Becomes a Pink-Haired Horse Girl in 'Headphones On' Video

Pop culture

Are Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift Breaking Up After Being Away From Spotlight?

Shopping

Pirouette Into Style With These 13 Sporty Ballet Sneakers

Fashion

Poetic Shapes Define Spring Trends in Women's Style