San Diego Reader

Filmmakers follow the lives of several aspiring ballet dancers from around the globe (ages 9 to 19) as they train for the Youth America Grand Prix, a prestigious dance competition in New York City that holds the potential for career stardom. The dancers offer some humanity to the generic storytelling. There is a curious paradox of maturity in them — the immature development of their bodies vs. the mature grace of their abilities; their youthful age vs. their sophisticated speech. Unfortunately, the film quality is a far cry from the poise and creativity of the performances. 2012.

— John Rubio

• View trailer
• Rated NR | 1 hour, 30 minutes
• Official website

Related links

• "Meet First Position Director Bess Kargman This Weekend at Landmark Hillcrest" • May 17, 2012
• "First Position: Some Humanity, Not Hoop Dreams" • May 16, 2012

This movie is not currently in theaters.