Ballet High

Ballet High is a unique window into the world of a group of remarkable teenagers leading far-from-typical teenage lives.

This is the story of the graduating class of Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet School Professional Division.  For the last seven years, it's been non-stop plies, jetés, pas de deuxs and pirouettes for these teens who have come from all over the world to pursue their dream of becoming a professional ballet dancer.

For senior students in their graduating year the work is harder than ever before.  They must balance graduating from high school with dance classes and stress-filled performance tours while at the same time auditioning for professional companies. 

Directed by Elise Swerhone (Ballet Girls, One Ocean), this intimate and compelling documentary reveals the hard lessons and personal dilemmas that the graduates are facing as they look ahead with great hopes for a career in professional ballet – a career that demands nothing less than the impossible – perfection. 

As final exams draw near, these classmates – who are best friends and closer than family – can’t afford to let anything get in the way of what they're all there to do… dance. After living most of their teenage years away from their families who have spent up to $150,000 to make this dream come true - the stakes are high. They have this final year to prove that they have what it takes to become a professional dancer.

Co-produced with Emmy award-winning vonnie VON HELMOLT film.