by Catherine L. Tully
Dance lovers everywhere have been anxiously awaiting the debut of the CW’s new series, Breaking Pointe, but the opening episode appears to be more of an introductory piece, rather than a true insider look at the ballet world. As part of the set up, viewers are taken into the studio at Ballet West in Salt Lake City to meet all the players and define their roles.
Looks like we’ll have to wait a little bit longer to get that glimpse…
Adam Sklute is the Artistic Director who decides the fate of the ballet dancers, and as he evaluates them in class and rehearsal, we see much of the dancing that takes place in this episode—which is minimal compared to time spent outside the studio. Despite this, the timing immediately creates drama, as dancers are in the process of finding out whether or not their contract with the company will be renewed for another year.
In-between time spent in the studio, the show follows dancers as they go shopping, sip coffee and dance at a club–all done in a style that is reminiscent of The Hills. It’s polished and well-shot (if a little close up on the dancing at the studio), but a bit light on substance. Still, with this being the first episode a certain amount of back story is necessary, so as the series moves forward, hopefully there will be more depth–and more dancing.
Relationships between the dancers run from the expected (the Principal Artist who is keeping close watch on a talented 19-year-old moving up the ranks) to the less common (two brothers who are in the company together). Viewers go into Sklute’s office and share the joy as one dancer gets promoted—and watch the tears as one is let go. Friendships, dating drama and the “pecking-order” hierarchy are all established here, undoubtedly setting up the storyline for future episodes.
This is a wonderful opportunity for Ballet West to tell the real story of ballet and share what it is like to be a dancer; both personally and professionally. Thus far the show has taken the higher ground for the most part; opting out of the typical reality television ploys of endless petty fights, jarring cuts and senseless banter. Mix in the fact that Ballet West has some top-notch ballet talent and an Artistic Director who is well-respected in the field and the stage is set for something that could be truly spectacular.
We’ll see where things go from here…
Did you watch the first episode? What did you think?
Haven’t seen the preview yet? Here it is:
“Thus far the show has taken the higher ground for the most part; opting out of the typical reality television ploys of endless petty fights, jarring cuts and senseless banter.” True, but I guess I have a lower tolerance for the reality-show tropes. I still found it overproduced and melodramatic, with the constant voiceovers and background music telegraphing how Very Emotional everything is supposed to be. That said, I appreciate the subject (if not the style); I want to like the show and will likely keep watching to give it a chance.
Hey Jeff–thanks for the comment!
I tend to agree with you, but am evaluating the show based on the fact that, for what it is, it’s decent so far…
In the genre of “reality tv” or “docu-drama”, I think it’s working, although for those who don’t like that style, it can be hard to take. 🙂
I’m interested to see where they will go with it. I’d like to see it educate the non-dance audience a bit (like the 1-year contract info, which I doubt is common knowledge) and have it show the “athlete” side of dancers, which tends to be under-appreciated. I think the competition angle is pretty well-known, but there are definitely areas that could be interesting to explore–if they go there…
Not sure how interested I am in the “relationships” arena, but that fits within this genre, so I suppose I’ll have to cope….:)
What are you hoping to see?
I wish I got this channel. It would be one reality show I might actually watch. I hope they do ballet justice by showing how difficult the dance world really is. Do people who aren’t dancers really understand the emotional and physical pain dancers go through? Maybe this will be one way to show them.
I think you can watch the episodes online…check out the CW’s site and see…
I don’t know if most people really “get” the sacrifice it takes…except perhaps other athletes. But it really isn’t exactly the same, is it?
Thanks for the comment Elizabeth–let me know if you wind up able to watch it!
You’re right I can watch it on CW’s site! Thanks for letting me know that 🙂
It’s true that other athletes do make sacrifices, just as ballet dancers do, but I agree that it’s not quite the same. For example, when I watch figure skating competitions many of the skaters seem to get along and are genuinely happy when for the success of their friends, even if their friends beat them. I never found that to be the case in ballet world when I was training to become a professional.
It’s fun, nothing new in the arena of reality TV. I have a feeling the first episode followed the formula just to get viewers hooked. Hopefully we will be introduce to more “diverse” characters in future episodes. 🙂
Hey Leigh…
Agreed! I think that for reality TV it isn’t too bad so far. Would like to see more depth, but I’ll settle for more interest in ballet in the mainstream!