THE HANGOVER REPORT – ON POINTE on Disney Plus is an inspiring ode to the capacity of children and young adults to thrive

A scene from “On Pointe” on Disney Plus.

Yesterday, I binge-watched Disney Plus‘s new documentary series On Pointe, which chronicles a year at the prestigious School of American Ballet (“SAB”). Closely associated with the world renowned New York City Ballet, the school offers younger students the opportunity to participate in City Ballet’s definitive version of The Nutcracker. SAB is also the primary feeder for City Ballet’s company of dancers (many of whom make cameo appearances in the documentary), beginning with an apprenticeship invitation. The school is notable for teaching its students the “Balanchine” classical ballet technique (after the great George Balanchine, who co-founded both SAB and City Ballet), which embodies musicality through speed, line, and precision.

Over the course of six episodes, On Pointe follows a handful of students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds – along with their parents, teachers, and SAB administrators – at various stages of their development. In parallel, the documentary also focuses on the casting and grueling rehearsal process for City Ballet’s lengthy monthlong run (from Thanksgiving to New Year) of The Nutcracker. Choreographed by Balanchine in 1954, the holiday production has since been performed annually (with the exception of this year, sadly) and has become a beloved New York tradition. At once inspiring and candid, the documentary is a compelling ode to the capacity of children and young adults to excel and thrive, particularly when when their goals are nurtured and shared by their support system (e.g., family, friends, instructors, etc.).

Particularly rewarding, and highly recommended, is the pairing of On Pointe with the film capture of the opening night performance of last year’s mounting of The Nutcracker – available on-demand until January 3 on Marquee TV – which stars the very same students and City Ballet dancers featured in the documentary. By seeing both sides of the coin (i.e., the intense preparation, as well as the final product), one gets a better understanding for just how central the children are to City Ballet’s production, which I had largely taken for granted in my many, many viewings of the perennial favorite. Particularly, I have a newfound appreciation for the intricacies of Act One’s substantive party and battle scenes (which I had previously dismissed as charming expository filler), which are essentially carried by the young performers.

The documentary takes us up to the present moment, with SAB’s closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On Pointe nevertheless ends on a hopeful note, pointing to the day these amazing young women and men can once again share their carefully-honed talents with a live audience.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

ON POINTE
Documentary Series / Dance
Disney Plus
6 episodes (approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour apiece)

Categories: Dance

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