Center Stage

This is the first film for the stars, Amanda Schull, who in real life is an apprentice at the Corps de Ballet in San Francisco, and Ethan Steifel, who is the principal dancer for the American Ballet Theater and considered the best male dancer in the world. Their acting is good, but it overshadowed by their absolutely magnificent dance performances.

There's a good universal story here of the competition among the young dancers, their hopes and dreams, romances and mishaps. There's Zoe Saldana as the wisecracking rebel with an attitude who nevertheless loves to dance. There's Susan May Pratt as a bulimic who has been pressured into ballet by her mother. There are several love triangles and some surprises in the plot.

But most of all -- there is the dancing. Ah, the dancing! There's classical ballet and Latin dancing and a finale that combines elements of jazz, modern and ballet. The music is perfect for the dance pieces. And everyone is beautiful.

The film stirred longings in me to get up and dance myself, and in a way I was doing that as I completely got into watching this video. For all lovers of dance and for 117 minutes of total enjoyment, Center Stage gets a high recommendation from me.


The ONLY film that ever made me want to get up and dance!   February 10, 2001
Veggiechiliqueen
20 out of 20 found this review helpful

I saw Center Stage once in the theatre and bought it recently on DVD. It hasn't left my DVD player, and I've probably watched it upwards of seven or eight times since. The cast is energetic and amazingly talented, the soundtrack is an excellent match to the various types of dance numbers, and the dancing itself is sublime.

I loved the extra features on this DVD, most notably the isolated soundtrack, director's commentary, deleted scenes and the extended dance sequences. The video by Mandy Moore was also a nice touch seeing as it uses footage of the cast of Center Stage and is an excellent song on its own.

The isolated soundtrack works well with the workshop numbers as well as the club scene. The commentary by Nicholas Hytner was interesting as well--for example, the NY skyline in the dance studio was simply a very large transparency. He also addresses technical aspects of shooting dancers and the infamous dance studio mirrors. There are only two deleted scenes: one of Cooper at a rehearsal for "Stars and Stripes" as he chats with Joan Miller, and one where Charlie performs a solo number in rehearsal, featuring stunning footwork and a playful mood.

The extended dance sequences flow much more smoothly without the constant cuts to the rather bored-looking audience, allowing the footwork and energy to shine through uninterrupted.

Although quips have been made regarding the acting abilities of the mostly dance-oriented cast, I thought that everyone involved did an outstanding job. This has to be my favourite movie of the last five years or so.


An extremly enjoyable highly realistic movie   August 18, 2000
16 out of 17 found this review helpful

I don't know if it's because I've been a ballet dancer since the age of three or if it's because this movie was so amazing. You never hear what goes on behind the scenes, the bloody toes, eating disorders,etc. It's not all the glitz and glam it's cracked up to be. This movie portrays the struggle of a young women trying to make it as a professional ballet dancer and along the way encounters a few romantic, and family struggles. Out of the many things that make this movie so great, knowing that the actors aren't just actors but dancers too so you know there aren't any stunt doubles.I highly recomend viewing and purchasing this movie, if not purchasing, at least add it to your "wish-list" !


Realistic Depiction of the Dance World   November 26, 2000
Caitlin Campbell (South Florida USA)
16 out of 20 found this review helpful

Center Stage is an excellent movie, I believe. While the movie has a fictitious dance school and characters it has quite a real dipiction of the ballet world. Some parts are over exaggerated for people that who are not familiar with the ballet or dance world will get an idea of what they mean by "turn out" or "bad feet." On the DVD they have extended dance sequences, editors commentary, deleted scenes, and more goodies for the viewer to enjoy. The dance sequences are amazing visually and technically. The boys, especially Charile, are cuties. Some guys I know have seen the movie and they liked it; now that could be because one is a dancer himself and the other just saw a dance sequence, but thats up to you to decide :). There is also a love triangle and little other goodies in the movie, so it's not all about dance. Basically, Center Stage is Fame except for ballet dancers. Hope you enjoy the movie if you decide to get it!


A Lot of Very Good Dancing   November 29, 2005
Grinalltheway
16 out of 16 found this review helpful

If you are thinking about watching "Center Stage", you should first read the plot summary and view the trailer. If neither impresses, you would be wise to give "Center Stage" a wide berth because they are very accurate representations of the film. The story is fairly simple, the focus is on three girls who aspire to a position with the fictional American Ballet Center in New York City. Well, they sort of aspire. The bulimic one (Maureen) is only doing it because her mother is pushing her, the girl next door one (Jody) is wondering if the company is too restrictive, and the angry one (Eva) is considering getting work as a Hooters waitress instead. Eva's seemingly bad attitude disguises the fact that she actually has the best attitude, she is there because she loves to dance.

There is a love triangle between Jody and two guys, she sleeps with the one she loves (Cooper), he does not love her but he gives her the female lead in a ballet he has choreographed. He gives the male lead to the guy who loves her. Coincidentally Cooper's ballet is about a similar love triangle.

This is not exactly new territory, think "Flashdance", "Fame", and "Brave New Girl". Don't expect Fellini's "Variety Lights". The plot is painfully contrived but the saving grace is the wonderful dancing and the realistic portrayal of the grind of dance school. The DVD has a ton of nice special features including extended dance sequences.

The acting is nonprofessional but the director knows the limitations of his ensemble and does not ask them to do anything very difficult, at least acting-wise. The movie is full of mild melodrama, but stays nicely real life and doesn't amp the conflicts and love stories into an overwrought mess.

The theme is the standard one about going after your dream through hard work and dedication, but they also focus on the necessity of first making sure that it is actually your dream. Bottom line: "Center Stage" is a joyful celebration of dance and the talented folks who make it their profession.

Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.