Video: The Prodigy

Two days in the extraordinary life of the Bolshoi’s prima ballerina.

What does it take to become a prima ballerina? In this intimate film by director Michael Sugrue, we follow Olga Smirnova, a rising star at the prestigious Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. It’s a story about perseverance. The gruelling dedication and sacrifices a young ballerina makes to see her dreams come to fruition.

Capturing the St. Petersburg native over two days, you’re inside Smirnova’s world, consumed with rehearsals and little time to breathe. Running on all cylinders, you witness her unwavering work ethic – dancing from dusk until dawn – and the lonely existence she leads, as a result. But she doesn’t seem to mind. She’s living her dream.

Camera and edit: Michael Sugrue
Producer: Fyodor Mozgoyov / The Key Productions
Score: Patricio José Sanchez, Steve Nossiter
Sound recordist: Philipp Starenko
Sound design: Michael Sugrue, Philipp Starenko

Running time: 9 minutes

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Olga Smirnova (source: Dancetabs)