Step up to the barre for a baker’s dozen of dreamy dance flicks.
Just as ballet is not standard dance, these ballet films do not all follow the dance-film formula.
Included are artful, dark journeys into the quest for physical perfection, and even supernatural horror.
Moira Shearer in ‘The Red Shoes’; Misty Copeland in ‘A Ballerina’s Tale’; Natalie Portman in ‘Black Swan’.Credit: Everett Collection (2); Niko Tavernise/Fox Searchlight
Nelson George’s documentary traces the arc of Copeland’s historic career in the traditionally Eurocentric world of ballet.
While the doc provides unparalleled access and extraordinary insight, there’s no juicy backstage drama to be found.
Suzy Bannion (Jessica Harper) is an American ballet student who transfers to a prestigious dance school.
Misty Copeland in ‘A Ballerina’s Tale’.Everett Collection
Of course, because this is Argento, a series of murders follow.
Each frame of the film is oversaturated in color often a deep red enhancing its almost hallucinogenic quality.
It can feel similarly dream-like for audiences.Dustin Nelson
Related content
Niels Schneider and Anastasia Shevtsova in ‘Polina’.Oscilloscope Films
Natalie Portman in ‘Black Swan’.Niko Tavernise/Fox Searchlight
‘Leap!'.The Weinstein Company
Justin Peck in ‘Ballet 422’.Everett Collection
Jamie Bell (center) and the cast of ‘Billy Elliot’.Everett Collection
Moira Shearer in ‘The Red Shoes’.Everett Collection
‘Ballet Russes’.Geller/Goldfine Productions
Anne Bancroft in ‘The Turning Point’.Everett Collection
Neve Campbell in ‘The Company’.Everett Collection
Joan Sebastian Zamora in ‘First Position’.Everett Collection
Ethan Stiefel, Amanda Schull, and Sascha Radetsky in ‘Center Stage’.Everett Collection
Jessica Harper in ‘Suspiria’.Seda Spettacoli/Kobal/Shutterstock
