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Metascore
72 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critics What's this?

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  • Summary: Every year, thousands of aspiring dancers enter one of the world's most prestigious ballet competitions, the Youth America Grand Prix, where lifelong dreams are at stake. In the final round, with hundreds competing for only a handful of elite scholarships and contracts, practice and discipline are paramount, and nothing short of perfection is expected. Bess Kargman's award-winning documentary, FIRST POSITION, follows six young dancers as they prepare for a chance to enter the world of professional ballet, struggling through bloodied feet, near exhaustion and debilitating injuries, all while navigating the drama of adolescence. A showcase of awe-inspiring talent, tenacity and passion, FIRST POSITION paints a thrilling and moving portrait of the most gifted young ballet stars of tomorrow. (Sundance Selects)… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Christian Science Monitor
    Reviewed by: Peter Rainer
    May 4, 2012
    91
    I've become weary of documentaries about winning prizes, but this one is special because the kids are.
  2. St. Louis Post-Dispatch
    Reviewed by: Joe Williams
    May 18, 2012
    88
    Among recent documentaries, First Position soars to the head of the class.
  3. NPR
    Reviewed by: Linda Holmes
    May 8, 2012
    60
    It's a simple and lovely movie, and particularly for people who haven't seen "Spellbound," it's a great introduction to the intriguing mix of parents - neurotic, loving, pressuring, calming - who raise great kids who do great things.

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Showtimes

Laemmle Monica 4 Santa Monica
9:35PM
Laemmle Music Hall Beverly Hills
7:40PM
Laemmle Playhouse 7 Pasadena
7:00PM
Laemmle Town Center 5 Encino
5:30PM
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