Tiny Pretty Things

Tiny Pretty Things is an engaging and suspense-filled drama series that debuted on Netflix in 2020. Notorious for its cliffhangers and multiple storylines, the show quickly stirred up a massive fan base. Inspired by the book by Sona Charaipotra and Dhonielle Clayton, Michael MacLennan pens this intense series set in the competitive, cutthroat world of ballet.

The backdrop of the show, the Archer School of Ballet, is an elite institution in Chicago and the only pathway to a prestigious New York City Ballet company. It showcases the grit, endurance and tenacity required to thrive here, while also highlighting the abundant angst and rivalry reigning among students who are eager to outshine their peers to ensure a successful future.

Tiny Pretty Things primarily follows the lives of three young dancers - Neveah, Bette, and June. All three hail from different backgrounds, yet share an unwavering passion for ballet. The tale takes off when Neveah, a dancer from a working-class background, is given a full scholarship to Archer's school after an unfortunate incident leaves a vacancy. The arrival of Nevaeh stirs the waters of an already turbulent environment as she brings a unique perspective and determination.

Bette is another central character, thriving under the shadow of her successful older sister, while nurturing her ambitions and constantly being at odds with her emotions. June, on the other hand, is the ever-so-diligent but unrecognized student, always the understudy, hardly the star. Her efforts to break free of her confined state and build her identity throw up engaging plot points.

At its core, Tiny Pretty Things is more than just a tale of a prestigious ballet school. It quite expertly delves into the personal and professional struggles that these young dancers face amidst an ultra-competitive environment. It covers significant ground throughout its episodes, shedding light on the pain-streaked path to glory and the price one must pay for their dreams.

The theme of mystery occupies a central place in this web series. It is far from being a solely ballet-centred show as it also dabbles in a fair degree of suspense, accusations, betrayals, and convoluted relationships that characterizes it as a thriller. It sheds a light on the darker side of the ballet world, where an individual's every move is closely scrutinized, intensely judged, and where a heartbeat's misstep could cost them their career.

The series plays out as a murder mystery, with the suspicious fall of a student off a rooftop and subsequent cover-ups. The incident leads to a complicated investigation, introducing the viewers to a web of secrets spurring the narrative of Tiny Pretty Things.

The show also excels in its diverse cast. Characters from various races, ethnicities, and backgrounds appear throughout the series, championing the spirit of inclusivity. The show navigates through several important themes effortlessly such as race, class, body image, sexuality, ambition, and obsession, thus making it deeply relatable for a broad range of audiences.

One of the most striking aspects of Tiny Pretty Things is its demonstration of ballet. The performances displayed in the series are nothing short of stunning, both in technicality and artistry. The choreography is mesmerizing, providing a visual feast while giving the audience a glimpse of the blood, sweat, and tears behind these ethereal ballet performances.

Tiny Pretty Things is therefore an amalgamation of mystery, dance, drama, and high-stakes competition, characterized by impressive ballet performances, intriguing narrative arcs, and a diverse, well-rounded cast. The series keeps viewers on their toes and it goes to show that there's indeed more to the beautiful world of ballet than that meets the eye. So, for those who appreciate a strong mix of art, edge-of-the-seat suspense, and substantial character development, Tiny Pretty Things might prove to be an unmissable watch.