Dancer

Dancer, released in 2016, is a thought-provoking and captivating documentary that profiles the life and journey of the Ukranian-born ballet sensation, Sergei Polunin. Directed by Steven Cantor, this film successfully portrays the peak of ballet artistry and the torment of an artist struggling to find his identity. Sergei Polunin, Galyna Polunina, and Galina Ivanovna are essential presences in the film, with Polunina playing an integral role as Sergei's mother and Ivanovna as his grandmother.

The documentary kicks-off by setting the stage for Sergei's tumultuous childhood, showing his humble beginnings in a working-class family in the industrial city of Kherson, Ukraine. The film seamlessly focuses on the selfless sacrifices of his family, especially his mother, who recognized Sergei's extraordinary talent and invested in his career. Consequently, Sergei’s family was splintered, with his father and grandmother moving to different countries to earn money to support his training.

The film tells the truly inspirational and tough journey of a young Sergei, who was accepted into the prestigious Royal Ballet School in London at the age of thirteen. But along with his skyrocketing career came intense pressure, resulting in a struggle with loneliness and identity crisis. The glamour of his talent shone brightly on stage, but behind the curtains, the film reveals Polunin’s battle with mental health, substance abuse, and the harsh realities that come with being the youngest ever principal at the Royal Ballet.

One of the pivotal moments in Dancer is Sergei's abrupt and shocking resignation from the Royal Ballet, partly due to the internal turmoil he faced. However, the film doesn't quit there. It continues to provide insight into Sergei's subsequent rebellion, illustrating his journey filled with tattoos, parties, and a dance career that included endeavors into film acting and modeling.

Importantly, the documentary doesn’t just remain confined to Sergei's struggles. It also shines a light on his incredible talent and artistic genius. The audience is drawn into the beauty of the ballet world. The director made sure that the viewers are not just witnessing the life of Sergei Polunin, but also get a glimpse of the world that exists within a pair of ballet shoes. The film includes footage of breathtaking performances and beautifully captures Sergei's perfection, precision, and the raw power that stamped him as one of the world's finest ballet dancers.

Moreover, the magic of Dancer is not just defined by the dance performance sequences -unprecedented as they are- but also by Sergei's dedication towards his art, the way he moves with such grace on stage and his relentless pursuit of impeccable perfection.

In Dancer, the candid interviews with Sergei, combined with interviews of his family members and peers, expertly paint a portrait that is touching and insightful. It substantively addresses the challenges that dancers generally face in their career, such as loneliness due to long, grueling hours of practice, injuries, body image issues, and the strain of maintaining performance standards.

Throughout the film, audiences capture both the vulnerability and raw talent of Sergei. His journey from a child prodigy to a global star, facing multiple emotional and physical struggles, unfolds with honesty and sensitivity. It's not just the story of a dancer but also his journey of self-exploration, his fight against his demons, and his struggle to find solace in the world outside ballet.

In essence, Dancer is a feast for ballet enthusiasts and an eye-opener for those unfamiliar with the art form. It's powerfully poignant and intimate, a visual diary that provides an insightful view into what it means to be a prodigy, the burden of early success, the loneliness of being at the top, and ultimately, the immeasurable cost of greatness. This film gives the audience an understanding of Sergei Polunin, a young man searching for his identity and purpose, trying to balance his personal happiness with his professional excellence. Despite the turmoil, Sergei’s story underscores his commitment to his craft and his undying love for ballet.