Ballet Girls

Athlete and artist. Dedication and drive. Body and soul.  A prima ballerina is born from this sophisticated fusion, and to make it in the world of professional ballet they must have it all before they have even gone on their first date.

Seen through the eyes of a handful of young hopefuls from across Canada and around the world, Ballet Girls captures the heartbreak of loss and the conviction of spirit required to become a member of the world-renowned Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet.

This 3 x one-hour documentary series goes behind the scenes, from the open audition room where the girls pliè and pirouette for coveted spots within the RWB Summer School, to the drama and painstaking realities of actually living the dream. The series culminates with a triumphant performance for one aspiring ballerina whose dream comes true when she dances the role of Clara in the company’s annual production of the Nutcracker

Directed by Elise Swerhone (One Ocean, Ballet High, TuTuMUCH) Ballet Girls begins with cross-Canada auditions that introduce us to an ensemble of energetic and endearing young hopefuls competing for their shot at the dream of becoming a professional dancer. The stakes are high for these young girls and their families. Success means leaving home for the first time to live in residence and attend ballet school. If they get in, they may never live at home again. How will these young dancers cope with the anxiety, pressure, exhilaration and passion that will be demanded of them? Who will make it to the summer school? Who will be sent home? And who will earn the opportunity to launch their ballet career, dancing with the company on stage in The Nutcracker?

Co-produced with Emmy award-winning vonnie VON HELMOLT film.