Ballerina I'm Not

Ballerina I’m Not, a 2017 movie directed by Francesca Zappitelli, is a hard-hitting, raw, documentary-style exploration of the world of professional wrestling from the female perspective. It looks at the industry's glorious highs and disastrous lows, featuring prominent figures such as Rick Bassman, Mildred Burke, and Herb Dean.

The film is an autobiographical documentary that combines elements of a personal journey as well as a career retrospective, largely through the eyes of Zappitelli herself. Through the course of the movie, audiences see Zappitelli’s transition from a model to a professional wrestler, stripping away the glitz and glamour often shown to the media and taking a deep dive into the gritty realism belying this controversial cultural phenomenon.

Ballerina I'm Not brings to light the intense dedication, physical strain, and personal sacrifices these professional athletes make to ensure they perform at the highest level, while also maintaining an entertaining persona for their fans. This is an industry where the women have traditionally been used primarily for their sex appeal, and this documentary scrutinises the evolution and the struggles inherent within the system.

The film features interviews with several female wrestlers who share their stories of working in this male-dominated industry. This includes insights from the legendary Mildred Burke, one of the pioneering women of wrestling who competed from the late 1930s to the 1950s, establishing a legacy for the future generations of female wrestlers.

Also providing their perspective on the industry are Rick Bassman, a talent scout who has trained and managed some of the biggest names in the wrestling world, and highly respected MMA referee Herb Dean.

The movie is not merely a chronicle of the wrestling industry; it's a narrative about fighting for your dreams, breaking norms, and challenging societal expectations. It shows that the wrestling life is a ballet of sorts, where one has to be graceful under pressure, all while tackling brute physical force, prejudice, and harsh reality.

The dark underbelly of professional wrestling is also depicted, with the toll it takes on the physical and mental health of wrestlers. The poignant tales of ostracism, bullying, and the unbearable pressure of maintaining an idealised body image shed light on the harsh realities these female professionals face. The movie underscores the persistent issues of sexism and misogyny in this hard-hitting profession, thus spawning a dialogue about the necessary change.

The director, Zappitelli, draws a clever parallel between the foibles of professional wrestling and life itself, with its seemingly endless struggles, and the overwhelming driver that keeps us going—passion. In Ballerina I’m Not, the determination of these women frequently resonates on a primal level, where survival instincts kick in brutally, keeping them moving forward despite countless odds.

Zappitelli’s portrayal in the movie sends out a strong feminist message. She fights fearlessly, not just in the ring, but against sexist stereotypes and for her rightful place in an industry largely designed for men. The film's signature blend of raw footage, personal interviews, and real-life events serve as a poignant philosophical exploration, delivering a potent mix of spectacle, femininity, strength, and endurance.

Fans of the wrestling industry and viewers interested in women's empowerment and challenging gender roles will find this movie touching, powerful and thought-provoking. Ballerina I'm Not offers a fresh perspective that celebrates fearless ambition and independent thought in fundamentally challenging spaces. It’s a testament to women daring to rise in a sphere dominated by men, breaking away from tradition, and forging a path through pure determination and grit. This is a tale of extraordinary women choosing to step out of their comfort zones to break the mold, redefining the norms of femininity and portrayal of women in sports entertainment while moving to the rhythm of their unique ballet.