Watch Dancing Across Borders

Dancing Across Borders is a documentary film from 2010 that tells the inspiring story of a young Cambodian boy named Sokvannara "Sy" Sar, who goes on to become a professional dancer in the United States. Directed by Anne Bass, the film explores Sy's journey from his humble beginnings in Cambodia to his rise to fame as a principal dancer in the Pacific Northwest Ballet.

The film begins with Sy's introduction to dance. Anne Bass, a former prima ballerina and a patron of the arts in Cambodia, is on a trip to the country when she stumbles upon Sy performing a traditional Cambodian dance. She is immediately struck by his talent and decides to take him under her wing. Sy is only 16 years old at the time, and has never received formal training in ballet. However, Anne sees potential in him and decides to bring him to New York City to study at the School of American Ballet.

The first half of the film focuses on Sy's struggles to adapt to life in New York City. He is overwhelmed by the culture shock and the demands of ballet training. Sy is hardworking and dedicated but he is often frustrated by his inability to grasp the complex movements of classical ballet. He also has to cope with feelings of loneliness and isolation, as he is thousands of miles away from his family in Cambodia.

Despite these challenges, Sy is determined to succeed. He practices tirelessly and slowly begins to improve. He is also grateful to Anne for all of her support and encouragement. Through interviews with Sy and Anne, as well as footage of Sy's rehearsals and performances, the film shows how he gradually gains confidence and finds his place in the ballet world.

In the second half of the film, Sy's dreams start to become a reality. He is offered a position with the Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle, where he quickly rises through the ranks to become a principal dancer. The film showcases Sy's talents through breathtaking performances, as well as interviews with his colleagues and mentors. It also highlights the challenges he faces as an Asian dancer in a predominantly white field. Sy's success is a testament to his hard work and perseverance, as well as to the support of his family and mentors.

Overall, Dancing Across Borders is a heartwarming and inspiring documentary that showcases the power of dance to transcend cultural barriers. It is a must-see for anyone who loves ballet, and for those who are interested in stories of grit, determination, and perseverance. The film is a celebration of the human spirit and a tribute to the unifying power of the arts.

Dancing Across Borders is a 2010 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 47.