Step by Step

About This Movie

Step by Step is one of those docs that really strips away the romantic veneer of ballet. Filmed at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague, it dives deep into the cutthroat world these aspiring dancers inhabit. Marijke Jongbloed’s graduation film doesn’t sugarcoat anything; it’s raw, grim, and at times, brutally unsettling. You feel the tension, the rivalry just buzzing in the air. The pacing isn't fast, but it keeps you engaged, revealing the emotional weight behind each dancer's journey. The practical insights into their training are both eye-opening and somewhat harrowing. It’s not your typical ballet documentary, that’s for sure. If you appreciate a more unvarnished look at the art, this one’s got some real depth to it.

Gritty portrayal of ballet trainingFocus on rivalry and emotional strugglesUnique perspective on artistic dedication