Watch Strictly Ballet

Strictly Ballet is a documentary series that follows the lives of six aspiring young ballet dancers who are training at the School of American Ballet (SAB), one of the most prestigious ballet schools in the world. The series, produced by Teen Vogue, aired in 2014 on the magazine's YouTube channel.

The show offers a glimpse into the day-to-day lives of these talented dancers, who are juggling their rigorous dance training with academics, personal relationships, and the challenges of being a teenager. Each of the six episodes focuses on one of the dancers, delving into their individual stories, struggles, and triumphs as they pursue their dreams of becoming professional ballet dancers.

The first episode introduces us to Monika, a 17-year-old from Long Island who has been dancing at SAB since she was six years old. Monika is hoping to land a spot in the prestigious New York City Ballet and is willing to do whatever it takes to make her dreams a reality. We see her balancing late-night rehearsals with early morning classes and coping with the pressures of competition.

In the second episode, we meet Jake, a 16-year-old from California who is one of SAB's few male students. Jake has been dancing since he was five years old and is now on the cusp of professional success. However, he must also navigate the challenges of performing in a pressure-filled environment where every mistake can be scrutinized.

The third episode is centered around 17-year-old Daisy, who has been dancing since she was just three years old. Daisy is one of the few black dancers at SAB, and she faces unique challenges as she tries to break into the predominantly white world of professional ballet. We see her grappling with issues of diversity, inclusion, and representation both on and offstage.

The fourth episode tells the story of Sophie, a 16-year-old from New Jersey who has moved away from home to pursue her dream of dancing at SAB. Sophie is struggling with homesickness and the feeling of being an outsider, but she is determined to overcome these challenges and succeed in the competitive world of ballet.

In the fifth episode, we meet Olivia, a 16-year-old from North Carolina who is balancing her passion for dance with her responsibilities as a high school student. Olivia is trying to manage her academics, dance training, and her social life, all while preparing for a major performance.

The final episode focuses on Mimi, a 15-year-old from California who dreams of becoming a professional ballerina despite battling scoliosis, a condition that affects her spine. We see Mimi coping with the physical pain of dance while striving to reach her full potential.

Throughout the series, we witness the ups and downs of the six dancers' journeys, including the challenges they face, the sacrifices they make, and the emotional toll that pursuing their dreams can take. We also get a sneak peek into the world-renowned School of American Ballet, as we see the dancers in class and rehearsal, working with world-class ballet instructors and choreographers.

Strictly Ballet is an intimate and compelling look at the intense world of professional ballet, as seen through the eyes of six talented young dancers. The show offers a rare glimpse into the lives of these aspiring performers, who are striving to achieve greatness in a highly competitive and often unforgiving industry.