Director Bess Kargman has given us a documentary that doesn't present much beyond what we have seen in other films like it, but is an entertaining and enjoyable experience nonetheless.

| Original Score: B | Jul 31, 2020

A beautiful film, First Position will keep you on your toes.

| Nov 26, 2019

Whilst the filmmaking is pedestrian, the dancers -- to paraphrase Joan's teacher -- "fly"... Kargman may not earn first position, but these dancers most certainly do.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Feb 13, 2019

This movie is, hands down, one of the most beautiful, informative and satisfying documentaries I have ever seen.

| Original Score: 8/10 | Nov 9, 2018

First Position may be too slight, too sincere and too plain faced to truly invest in. But for those in need of something that bestows a voice both unto children with a clear focus and passion, it succeeds.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Aug 14, 2018

It is edge-of-the-seat stuff by the close of the film, and not just because of the high stakes in play for all involved.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Aug 10, 2018

If you've got tweens and teens who are into dancing, be it in classes or around the house, it offers a pleasant cultural alternative to the other holiday entertainment on offer.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Jun 14, 2016

The joy of watching lies in the purity of the dancer's passion.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Apr 25, 2013

A superior example of the genre, it concentrates on six young dancers from around the world ...

| Apr 14, 2013

Like the engaging hit documentary Spellbound, this dance competition film gets under the skin and holds us in its grip like a well-crafted thriller.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Apr 12, 2013

Anyone with an interest in dance should enjoy this documentary ...

| Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 12, 2013

Settles for heartwarming "follow your dreams" platitudes rather than following the cold realities of being a dancer.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Apr 11, 2013

It's humane, involving and inspirational.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Apr 11, 2013

A blandly feelgood documentary about aspiring young ballet dancers.

| Original Score: 1/5 | Apr 11, 2013

A griping documentary following several ballet hopefuls as they prepare for an international competition.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 11, 2013

Impressively directed and superbly edited, this is an emotionally engaging documentary with likeable subjects, stunning dance sequences and a suspenseful climax.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Apr 11, 2013

Undeniably effective as drama, as we ponder the varying degrees of ambition and talent driving these young people to push their bodies beyond the limit in the hope of grasping a future in the spotlight.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 10, 2013

If you thought Black Swan made ballet look grim, this festival-fave documentary offers an earthier but no less griping portrait of the profession's crippling realities.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Apr 9, 2013

A touching look at ballet's battle-hardened youngsters.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 8, 2013

If this film doesn't put a smile on your face, you are too hard to please.

| Original Score: A | Apr 7, 2013