10 Must-Watch Ballet School Dramas

Description: A timeless classic, this film explores the conflict between love and art through the story of a young ballerina torn between her career and her personal life.

Fact: The ballet sequences were choreographed by Robert Helpmann, who also stars in the film, and the film's iconic red shoes were designed by the legendary costume designer, Hein Heckroth.

Description: While not exclusively about ballet, this film captures the audition process for a Broadway show, showcasing the personal stories and aspirations of dancers, including ballet-trained performers.

Fact: The film was adapted from the Broadway musical of the same name, which itself was based on real-life stories of dancers.

Description: This film provides an insider's look at the American Ballet Academy, following students as they navigate the cutthroat world of professional ballet.

Fact: The film features real-life ballet dancers like Ethan Stiefel and Sascha Radetsky, who bring authenticity to the dance sequences.

Description: Set against the backdrop of the 1984 miners' strike in England, this heartwarming film follows a young boy's discovery of ballet and his struggle against societal expectations.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life story of Sir Anthony Beeton, who grew up in a mining community and became a ballet dancer.

Description: Directed by Robert Altman, this film offers a realistic portrayal of life in a ballet company, focusing on the personal and professional lives of its dancers.

Fact: Neve Campbell, who stars in the film, was a former ballet dancer, and the film was shot in a documentary style to capture the authenticity of ballet life.

Description: This psychological thriller captures the intense pressure of a ballerina's journey to perfection, focusing on the rivalry and mental breakdown of a dancer preparing for the lead role in "Swan Lake."

Fact: Natalie Portman trained for a year to perform her own ballet sequences, and the film was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning Best Actress for Portman.

Description: A documentary that follows six young dancers as they prepare for the Youth America Grand Prix, one of the world's most prestigious ballet competitions.

Fact: The film showcases the dedication and talent of young dancers from around the world, providing an unscripted look at the ballet world.

Description: An animated film that tells the story of an orphan girl in 1879 Paris who dreams of becoming a ballerina, offering a light-hearted yet insightful look into ballet school life.

Fact: The film was originally titled "Ballerina" in some regions and features voice acting by Elle Fanning, who herself has a background in ballet.

Description: Based on the autobiography of Li Cunxin, this film tells the story of a peasant boy from China who becomes a world-renowned ballet dancer, highlighting the cultural and personal challenges he faces.

Fact: Li Cunxin himself served as a consultant on the film, ensuring the ballet scenes were accurately portrayed.

Description: This drama focuses on the lives of two former ballet dancers, one who chose family over career, and the other who continued to dance, exploring themes of sacrifice and regret.

Fact: The film features real-life ballet stars Mikhail Baryshnikov and Leslie Browne, who was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.