Dancer

Dancer is a 2016 documentary film that follows the life of Sergei Polunin, the Ukrainian ballet dancer widely regarded as the world's best male dancer. Directed by Steven Cantor, the film tells the story of Polunin's journey from a humble background in Ukraine to his rise to fame as the principal dancer at the Royal Ballet in London.

The film starts by introducing viewers to Polunin's family and childhood in a small city in Ukraine. Polunin's early passion for dance and his supportive family set the stage for his later success. As a teenager, Polunin left his family and home to attend the Kyiv State Choreographic Institute, where he quickly rose through the ranks and gained international attention as a prodigious talent.

The documentary then follows Polunin's rise to fame as a principal dancer at the Royal Ballet, one of the world's most prestigious dance companies. The film documents his performances in several iconic roles, including Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, Siegfried in Swan Lake, and Des Grieux in Manon. Polunin's performances are punctuated with commentary from his colleagues at the Royal Ballet, his family members, and Polunin himself, who opens up about his struggles with depression, addiction, and the pressures of playing a leading role at such a young age.

The documentary also touches on Polunin's controversial decision to quit the Royal Ballet in 2012, at the height of his career. Polunin's departure shocked the dance world, and many speculated about his reasons for leaving. Dancer explores Polunin's disillusionment with the world of ballet, his desire to break free from the rigid rules and expectations of the dance world, and his search for new creative outlets.

Throughout the film, viewers are treated to mesmerizing footage of Polunin's dance performances. The camera captures both the beauty and the athleticism of Polunin's movements, showcasing his talent and artistry as a dancer. But the film also shows the toll that years of intense dancing have taken on Polunin's body, as he grapples with injuries and the physical demands of his profession.

Beyond the dance performances, the film also delves into Polunin's personal life, exploring his relationships with his family, his girlfriends, and his friends. The film includes interviews with Polunin's mother, Galyna Polunina, and his former dance teacher, Galina Ivanovna, who help paint a more complete picture of Polunin as a person and an artist.

Overall, Dancer is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that offers a glimpse into the world of ballet and the life of one of its greatest living artists. It explores themes of ambition, creativity, and the pressures of fame, as well as the toll that the pursuit of perfection can take on a person. For fans of dance and those interested in the human stories behind artistic success, Dancer is a must-see film.