Flesh and Bone

Flesh and Bone is an intriguing limited series that graced the screens for the first time on November 8, 2015, under the umbrella of the television network Starz. The eight-episode American drama series offers an in-depth and multilayered exploration of the ruthless world of professional ballet.

Conceived and brought to life as a gritty, complex and visceral experience that engages the viewer on multiple levels, Flesh and Bone taps into not just the physical, but also the psychological tribulations one goes through in their pursuit of perfection in ballet. It takes a plunge into the high-intensity, and often high-stress, world of a leading ballet company and takes an up-close and personal look at aspects of this world that often remain shrouded in secrecy, away from the spotlight and the public gaze.

Moira Walley-Beckett, an Emmy Award-winning writer, is the brilliant mind behind Flesh and Bone. The show hinges on the life story of its protagonist, Claire Robbins, played by Sarah Hay, an actual professional ballet dancer known for her role in the movie “Black Swan”. Claire is a gifted, yet deeply troubled young woman, bearing the scars of a troubled childhood. She leaves her dysfunctional home behind to climb the ranks in the elite American ballet company based in New York.

The character portrayal in Flesh and Bone is impeccably nuanced, with not just the protagonist, but even the supporting characters, projected with their personalized, rich backstories. Each character is unique, adding depth and layers to the narrative. This ensemble of characters contributes to painting an accurate portrayal of the dynamics of the ballet world, showing that beneath their graceful exteriors, these dancers often face immense pressure, competition and emotional turmoil.

Flesh and Bone captures the dichotomy that exists within the world of ballet - under the limelight, it's all about grace, beauty and perfection. However, away from the adulation of the audiences, it's about aggression, sweat, tears, and relentless struggle for perfection. The series incorporates meticulously choreographed sequences which oscillate between beauty and brutality, drawing parallels with the lives of the characters involved.

Sarah Hay’s character Claire is the eye of this intense storm. She is not the usual cliché of an ingenue, but a complex personality who is constantly battling her inner demons while striving for professional success. Claire's talent quickly catches the attention of the company director, Paul Grayson, portrayed by Ben Daniels, a man with a flair for pushing his company and his dancers to their breaking point. With a vivid portrayal of power dynamics, the narrative unfolds into a tale of resilience and survival.

Irina Dvorovenko, Sascha Radetsky, Raychel Diane Weiner and Emily Tyra are some of the other members of the professional ballet cast, all of whom add their personal touch to enhance the authenticity of ballet’s representation. Though the characters are deeply flawed and often battle internal chaos, the viewer can't help but admire their determination, persistence, and the sheer physical rigor of their performances.

Flesh and Bone puts not only ballet but an individual’s quest for mastery under the microscope. The series significantly features the original score by composer Dave Porter and ballet sequences choreographed by Ethan Stiefel, a retired principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre. It creates a taut, immersive world where the characters are as complex, multi-faceted, and nuanced as the ballet itself. The show's starkness, realism and intense drama allow the viewers to see ballet's underbelly, far from the dazzle of the stage performances.

Not just for ballet enthusiasts, Flesh and Bone stands as a haunting exploration of the complex dynamics at play in high-pressure environments, where the pursuit of excellence often crosses paths with personal torment. The compelling narrative, combined with stellar performances and a realistic depiction of the world of professional ballet, makes the series a unique, must-watch experience. Through a narrative evoking a wide spectrum of emotions, it presents an underexplored world with all its stark and unadorned realities.