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Sunday nights on Starz welcome limited series, Flesh and Bone: a dramatic peek inside the cutthroat world of professional ballet. Created by Breaking Bad and Pan Am contributor, Moira Walley-Beckett, the Starz mini-series is already garnering buzz regarding its portrayal of a brutal art form whose talented participators are often its victims. In short, the road to becoming a prima ballerina (or even a professional corp dancer) isn’t just tutus and tiaras: it’s war against your fellow dancers, your demanding instructors, and more often, yourself.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8wKm3grIxc]Following prodigal Claire (played by professional dancer Sarah Hay), a fiercely talented, but emotionally destructive ballerina as she makes the cut to join the fictionalized, prestigious American Ballet Company (no doubt modeled after ABT) in New York City. But success comes at a price in the world of ballet, where sisterhood is a laughable concept, instructors lessons borderline on abuse, and seniority means nothing. But before you delve into Claire’s competitive world, familiarize yourself with these five intense stories of the stage.
'Black Swan' (2010)
Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream, The Wrestler) directs Natalie Portman in her Oscar-winning role of Nina Sayers: a fragile corp dancer cast as The Swan Queen in the New York City Ballet’s anticipated production of Swan Lake. The pressure of the role, however, forces Nina to channel her alter ego, the dangerous and destructive Black Swan. [Where to stream Black Swan]
'The Company' (2003)
Neve Campbell stars in this visually stunning ensemble drama centered around one dancer’s journey to prima ballerina stardom. The Company is a stage movie for those familiar with the stage, but if you can only take ballet in small doses, I suggest you watch the “White Widow” performance in the video above. Even if you’re completely unfamiliar with the art, “White Widow” makes it difficult to not appreciate. [Where to stream The Company]
'Breaking Bad': "Ozymandias"
You’re probably wondering how the heck a crime drama like Breaking Bad wormed its way onto this list, but Walley-Beckett — in addition to a slew of other episodes — is the one responsible for the monumental, “Ozymandias,” in which Hank Schrader meets a shocking fate while the Whites are left to face the consequences. Critically acclaimed as one of the most powerful hours of television, it’s hard to imagine three-time Emmy winner Walley-Beckett could disappoint after cooking up an episode as such. [Stream Breaking Bad: “Ozymandias” on Netflix]
'A Ballerina's Tale' (2015)
Before receiving her (long overdue) promotion as principal dancer of the American Ballet Theatre, African American ballerina Misty Copeland was already breaking ground on her way to the top of a sport with very little diversity. A minority from humble beginnings with a body type atypical for ballet, Copeland harnessed her prodigal skills and defied all odds. [Where to stream A Ballerina’s Tale]
'Ballet 422' (2014)
Choreographer Justin Peck is tasked with creating a wholly unique production for the New York City Ballet in this intense documentary. An intimate look at the stressors and obstacles that go into creating a critical feat, we meet the man who bears the weight of its success or failure on his shoulders. [Where to stream Ballet 422]
