First Position
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Metascore
72 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.3 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
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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: 18 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  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. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Kenneth Turan
    May 3, 2012
    80
    These performers are so young, so serious, so full of dreams and so hard on themselves that it is difficult not to be moved by their striving.
  3. Movieline
    Reviewed by: Stephanie Zacharek
    May 4, 2012
    80
    Documentaries don't have to be technically great to be irresistible, and Bess Kargman's First Position, which follows six young ballet dancers as they prepare for an elite competition, is a case in point.
  4. 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.

See all 22 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 1 out of 3
  1. metamotivcritic
    9
    A lovely, touching movie, albeit a bit heavy on the heart-tugging. I loved the dancing, the cinematography, and the personal stories (and the personalities of the dancers and their families); but most of all I loved the fact that there was no Nigel, Mary, Little C, Trice, or Mia to ruin it.… Expand
  2. mschoa
    8
    Liked the movie a lot. Showed you the passion and hardwork put in by the youngsters in pursuing their dream of dancing ballet professionally. Would recommend this film to young people and their familes who are seriously considering a career in the arts.… Collapse
  3. Toolevb
    3
    It seemed like a long promotional pitch for: "American Idol for Ballet Dancers". I was ready to be a fan of this documentary and a good story, but the potentially good stories were mashed together. I was disappointed they didn't use the ebb and flow of ballet to tell the story. Great kids, good music, hard work, sacrifice is clear. But, I wasn't invested in the characters...In summary, with so many other great movies to watch, this one is on the end of your list unless you love ballet.… Expand

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