10 Popular Ballet-Themed Movies

There’s nothing better than having a get together with friends and if you all happen to love Ballet, why not have a pot luck meal night (where you each bring a prepared dish of yummy food) and settle in front of the television with one of these Ballet-themed movies. Each of these movies have a different style, from heartwarming to pshchological thriller, to full-on horror, with a classic Hollywood movie thown in too. With a mix of dramatic storytelling, the beauty of ballet, and dancers battling against personal struggles, there’s sure to be something to suit everyone.

1. The Red Shoes (1948)

• Summary: This classic film, directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, is about a young ballerina, Victoria Page, who is torn between her dedication to ballet and her love for a composer. The story mirrors Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale of a girl whose enchanted red shoes force her to dance until she dies.
• Notable Dancers: The lead role of Victoria Page is played by renowned ballerina Moira Shearer.

2. Black Swan (2010)

• Summary: Directed by Darren Aronofsky, Black Swan is a psychological thriller set in the world of professional ballet. It follows Nina, a ballerina preparing for the role of the Swan Queen in Swan Lake, as she spirals into madness under the pressure to perform. The film explores themes of obsession, duality, and artistic perfection.
• Notable Dancers: The film stars Natalie Portman, who underwent extensive ballet training, and Benjamin Millepied, a professional dancer and choreographer who plays a supporting role.

3. Billy Elliot (2000)

• Summary: Set in a coal-mining town in Northern England during the 1984 miners’ strike, Billy Elliot tells the story of a young boy who discovers a passion for ballet, despite his family’s disapproval. His journey from boxing to ballet is one of resilience and self-discovery.
• Notable Dancers: The role of Billy is played by Jamie Bell, though not a professional dancer, his portrayal of a boy learning ballet is central to the film’s success.

4. Mao’s Last Dancer (2009)

• Summary: This biographical drama, directed by Bruce Beresford, tells the story of Li Cunxin, a Chinese ballet dancer who defects to the West. Based on Cunxin’s autobiography, the film traces his early years of training in China, his career in the United States, and his decision to stay in the West after falling in love with an American dancer.
• Notable Dancers: Chi Cao, a principal dancer with the Birmingham Royal Ballet, plays Li Cunxin. His professional ballet background brings authenticity to the dance scenes.

5. Center Stage (2000)

• Summary: Directed by Nicholas Hytner, Center Stage follows a group of young dancers as they navigate the competitive world of the American Ballet Academy. The film blends dance with the personal struggles of the characters as they strive for success in a prestigious ballet company.
• Notable Dancers: Amanda Schull, a real-life dancer with the San Francisco Ballet, plays the lead role. The film also features appearances by professional dancers Ethan Stiefel and Julie Kent.

6. The Turning Point (1977)

• Summary: Directed by Herbert Ross, this film tells the story of two women whose lives were changed by their decisions related to ballet. One woman gave up her ballet career to start a family, while the other continued dancing but now faces retirement. The film explores themes of ambition, sacrifice, and friendship.
• Notable Dancers: The film features the legendary ballet dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov and Leslie Browne, both of whom were nominated for Academy Awards.

7. Dance Academy: The Movie (2017)

• Summary: Dance Academy: The Movie is a continuation of the popular Australian television series Dance Academy. The film follows Tara Webster, a young dancer who suffers a career-ending injury, but who refuses to give up on her dreams of becoming a professional ballerina. Determined to dance again, Tara embarks on a journey of physical and emotional healing, hoping to reclaim her place in the prestigious National Ballet Company.
• Notable Dancers: The film stars Xenia Goodwin, who reprises her role as Tara from the original series. While not a professional ballet dancer, Goodwin trained extensively in ballet for the role. Other cast members include Alicia Banit and Thomas Lacey, who also underwent dance training for the film.

8. White Nights (1985)

• Summary: Directed by Taylor Hackford, White Nights is a Cold War-era drama about a Soviet ballet dancer who defects to the West, only to find himself accidentally returned to the Soviet Union. The film is a dance-centric thriller as the lead character seeks to escape the regime again.
• Notable Dancers: The lead role is played by the famous Russian ballet dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov, with tap dancer Gregory Hines playing a supporting role.

9. Ballet Shoes (2007)

• Summary: Based on the beloved children’s book by Noel Streatfeild, this BBC film adaptation tells the story of three orphans who are adopted by an eccentric paleontologist. One of the girls, Posy Fossil, shows extraordinary talent as a ballet dancer, and the film follows her journey toward professional ballet.
• Notable Dancers: Although not a traditional dance film, it features ballet training and showcases the character’s passion for the art.

10. The Company (2003)

• Summary: Directed by Robert Altman, The Company provides an inside look at the life of a professional ballet company, focusing on the personal and professional challenges faced by the dancers. The film emphasizes the day-to-day realities of rehearsals, performances, and backstage life.
• Notable Dancers: Neve Campbell, who trained in ballet before becoming an actress, stars in the film. It also features members of the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, which adds to the film’s authenticity.

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