We all have that one movie that’s downloaded and ready to go for every plane ride or road trip, right? Well mine’s Center Stage, and lucky for you it was just added to Hulu at the start of this month. The 2000 film, directed by Nicholas Hytner, showcases a group of students in their first year at the prestigious American Ballet Academy in New York and the drama that ensues. Center Stage primarily follows Jody Sawyer (Amanda Schull), a dancer with beautiful stage presence but subpar technique, as she strives to keep up with the other students. We also meet Eva Rodriguez (Zoe Saldana), an incredible ballerina with a slight attitude problem, and Maureen (Susan May Pratt), the company’s most prized student who struggles with the pressure of it. From student-teacher relations and body-shaming directors, to drunk nights salsa dancing and hungover days in detention, this film demonstrates the hookups, breakups and mental health struggles that take place behind the curtain. And how could I forget about the fun dance numbers?!
Everett Collection
