Each year in the former Soviet Union, twenty children anywhere from nine to thirteen years of age were picked from thousands to be taught at the Kirov Ballet School, the institute that created greats such as Nureyev, Baryshnikov, Nijinsky, Pavlova and Balanchine. This documentary, told by Princess Grace of Monaco, details the trials and tribulations of these youngsters as well as those of the graduating class. A unique, interesting piece which will certainly appeal to anyone who loves ballet or who is a buff of child/teen performers. Recommended!

Warning (rated NR): brief nudity.

1978; in English and Russian with English subtitles and spoken translation (Note: not all the Russian is subtitled or translated but it is not needed to follow the film); 92 minutes; Note: the print includes minor speckling and related problems, and there is a small tracking glitch to be found; Angelina Armeiskaya, Alec Timoushin, Lena Voronzova, Michaela Cerna, Galina Mezenzewa, Konstantin Saklinsky, Principal Dancers of the Kirov Company, Princess Grace of Monaco.