First Position

A wonderful film, about 6 youngsters attempting the Youth America Grand Prix, a prestigious ballet competition for young people between the ages of 8 and 19.  I think, even if you aren't interested in ballet, you'd find the dedication and courage and tenacity of these dancers compelling.

One of the dancers was Joan (Pronounced kho-an, not jone) Sebastian, a beautiful, elegant, stylish dancer, who was just 17 when the film was made.  To dance like that at 17 ... !

This is a photo of him.  So very beautiful.

And this is a video of him dancing while training for the competition. After the clapping, keep watching, there's a slowed down piece, where he shows how to do the final pirouette and élevé. See how elegantly and with what control and power he does it.  I never achieved that mastery.