- DAD: Did you wanna do one more?
- MOM [LAUGHS]: Yeah.
- DAD: Do one more. Come on.
- MOM: Well done, Joy.
Do, do, do, do, do, do
Do-do, do-do, do-do...
Do, do, do, do, do, do...
Do, do, do, do, do, do...
Do, do, do, do, do, do...
Do, do, do, do, do, do...
REPORTER:
Today, we are with Joy Womack,
at 15 years old, one of
the first Americans in history
to be accepted into Bolshoi's
revered Academy.
I'm leaving in,
like, um... four days.
This is my mom.
She's not even started packing.
- Say hi.
- Hi!
Are you ready? One, two, three...
First Arabesque!
REPORTER:
It's true that you were scouted
while dancing
for an American school?
JOY: Yes, at the Kirov
in Washington.
REPORTER: And the Bolshoi
has always been your dream?
JOY:
Yes, since I was 7 years old.
This is my dance wall. Heh.
That's Natalia Osipova.
She's my favorite dancer.
I wanna be her one day,
because she's the best ever.
That's Anastasia Kuznetsova.
She's the newest prima
at the Bolshoi.
That's me rehearsing
the Little Bird solo.
That was the first time
I ever danced alone,
so it was really...
REPORTER: Joy, congratulations.
Do you feel much pressure?
Young girls all over the world
must be watching
your every move.
Is it overwhelming
for you at all?
Dance is my life.
It's everything to me.
I don't imagine they could
put more pressure on me
- than I already put on myself.
- Very exciting. Well, Joy,
we wish you all the best
in your quest to make history,
and we look forward
to watching your success
every step of the way.
[SKIRT WHOOSHING]
[WHOOSHING INTENSIFIES]
[WHOOSHING, BEEPING]
[ALARM CLOCK RINGING]
[NECK CRACKS]
[SHOULDERS CRACK]
[EXHALES QUIETLY]
[WRISTS CRACK]
[DOOR CLICKS]
[DOOR CLOSES]
[FLOORBOARDS CREAK]
[DOOR CLICKS]
[HINGES CREAK]
[DOOR THUDS]
[IN RUSSIAN]
[FOOTSTEPS CONTINUE]
[BOOTS THUD]
[DOOR THUDS OPEN]
[DANCERS CHATTER]
[DOOR CLOSES]
[SCRAPING]
[HAMMERING]
[HAMMERING CONTINUES]
[HAMMERING FADES]
[IN RUSSIAN]
Sorry?
[IN RUSSIAN]
I know. The American.
Everyone's wondering how you got
in here. You must be special.
[SCOFFS][DOOR OPENS]
[IN RUSSIAN]
[DOOR CLOSES]
[CLAPS]
[PIANO PLAYING TCHAIKOVSKY'S
"THE NUTCRACKER SUITE, OP 71A"]
VOLKOVA:
Alyona, swap.
[IN RUSSIAN]
Good, Natasha.
[IN RUSSIAN]
Up! Up! Up! Up! Up!
Good.
Strong.
[MUSIC ENDS]
[FEET THUD]
Center!
[BREATHES HEAVILY]
American in the first group.
VOLKOVA [IN RUSSIAN]:
[SWAN LAKE, OP. 20, ACT III,
NO. 19A, PAS DE SIX: VI. PLAYS]
Ease in, don't rush.
Head up. Straight ahead.[IN RUSSIAN]
VOLKOVA [IN RUSSIAN]:
a future prima in our midst?
[IN RUSSIAN]
[CLASSICAL PIANO MUSIC
CRESCENDOS, ENDS]
Try again.
Show me a pirouette combination
in the center.
[IN RUSSIAN]
And...
[THE SCHOOL OF EMBELLISHMENTS,
OP. 355: NO. 36, ALLEGRO VIVACE]
You're overreaching.
Don't drift.
You're drifting.
You're drifting.
[THUD][GASPS]
- Why were you closing your eyes?
- I didn't mean to. I...
You want to pretend
you're not here?
- No. I'm so sorry.
- Want to pretend I'm not here?
No.[CLAPS]
Changement de pieds!
[CLASSICAL PIANO MUSIC RESUMES]
[IN RUSSIAN]
And... changement de pieds!
Changement de pieds!
Changement de pieds!
Changement de pieds!
Changement de pieds!
One, two, three, four!
One, two, three, four![PANTS]
Echappe! One, two,
three, four! Jete.
[PANTS]
Jete! Jete! Jete! Jete! Jete!
Chaine turns!
[CLAPS]
Turn!
[CLAPS]
Turn!
[CLAPS]
Turn!
[CLAPPING]
Turn! Turn! Turn!
Fouette!
Fouette! Fouette! Fouette!
Fouette! Fouette! Fouette!
Fouette! Fouette! Fouette!
Fouette! Fouette! Fouette!
Fouette! Fouette! Fouette!
Fouette! Fouette! Fouette!
Fouette! Fouette! Fouette!
Fouette! Fouette![GASPS, PANTS]
First Arabesque.
[PANTS]
[SNIFFS]
[BREATHING HEAVILY]
[IN RUSSIAN]
[CLAPS]
Grand jete! Natasha lead! And...
[PIANIST PLAYS JOTA]
Saute! Arms, nice.
Beautiful.
[IN RUSSIAN]
Good, Natasha. Polina!
Natasha, you lead. And...
[IN RUSSIAN]
Jump! Jump higher!
[IN RUSSIAN]
That's it!
Good![PANTS]
[WATER SPLASHES]
[CELL PHONE VIBRATING]
[SNIFFLES, BREATHES SHAKILY]
[BREATHES HEAVILY]
RECORDING [IN RUSSIAN]:
This woman pays for everything.
JOY [IN HALTING RUSSIAN]:
This woman pays for everything.
RECORDING:
Bon Appetit. Enjoy your meal.
JOY:
Bon Appetit. Enjoy your meal.
This woman pays for everything.
This woman...
pays for everything.
For everything.
[FAST CLASSICAL
PIANO MUSIC PLAYING]
[BEETHOVEN'S 'MOONLIGHT' SONATA:
III. PRESTO AGITATO CONTINUES]
[FOOTSTEPS THUD]
[FOOTSTEPS THUD]
VOLKOVA [IN RUSSIAN]:
[CLASSICAL STRING MUSIC PLAYING]
All right, girls. Line up.
[CLASSICAL STRING MUSIC
CONTINUES]
[IN RUSSIAN]
[INDISTINCT,
WHISPERED CONVERSATIONS]
MAN [IN RUSSIAN]:
Hm.
[MUFFLED CONVERSATIONS]
[REFRIGERATOR DOOR SHUTS,
BOTTLE RATTLES]
[IN RUSSIAN]
going to pick you.
You know that, right?
The Company
is like Russian royalty.
You'd have more chance
dancing on the Moon,
probably more fun,
while you're at it.
Guess I'm just naive enough
to think the best dancer
would get the role.
f*ck where they're from.
You wanna come out tonight?
A guy in my class...
His birthday.
[IN RUSSIAN]
Thanks, but...
You'd rather sit here
with your ice, uh... bucket?
- Sorry.
- And there I was,
about to tell you
all the secrets of the Academy.
Okay. See you later.
[WHISPERS]
I am an idiot!
[MUFFLED CONVERSATIONS CONTINUE]
[TRAM WHIRS DEEPLY]
[CHATTER, LAUGHTER]
Go, go, go, go. Come on.
[LAUGHS]
[HORNS HONK]
[CHEERING, WHOOPING]
[LAUGHS]
Where are we going?
[DANCE MUSIC PLAYING
OVER SPEAKERS]
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS]
I'm going to the bathroom.
Don't go anywhere. Okay?
Okay.
Come on. Let's have a drink.
No, thanks.[SCOFFS]
What do you know
about Volkova?
[IN RUSSIAN]
I know
she's the Academy Director
and that she's the one
who picks...
She is done.
She hasn't had a Bolshoi
selection for years.
But she's a legend.[IN RUSSIAN] Look.
Volkova's daughter.
So thin you can see through her.
That's what the Bolshoi wants.
And she knows it.
[IN RUSSIAN]
- What's going on?
- Whoa! Whoa!
Wait. What do you mean?
[IN RUSSIAN]
doesn't get chosen.
[IN RUSSIAN]
Everything else...
is wasted energy.
[RETCHING]
[COUGHING, SPITTING]
[TOILET FLUSHES]
[DOOR CREAKS]
[SIGHS]
[WHISPERED CHATTER]
[DOOR OPENS]
VOLKOVA [IN RUSSIAN]:
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACH]
[DOOR CLOSES]
Natasha.
Nadia.
Katya.
Diana.
Ksenia.
VOLKOVA:
I would like to be given the
chance to audition for Paquita.
I think I've worked as hard
as... anyone else in the class.
I think I've made every
adjustment that you've asked me,
and I'm in the top five
group of dancers,
and you picked two dancers
that are below me.
[IN RUSSIAN]
Close the door on your way out.
But you said that I've worked
really hard and that
I've been coming a long way...
And you have.
And if there's an audition
for a company
that you're suitable for,
you will be considered then.
But I didn't come here
to be in another company;
I came here
to be in the Bolshoi.
Then you were misinformed.
Anyone can work hard
and come a long way,
but this is the Bolshoi
we're talking about.
They know what they want,
and... it's not you.
You have talent,
but you dance like an American.
If you do not like it,
perhaps it is time
for you to leave.
Fine.
I'll do whatever variation
you want,
and if you don't like it,
I'll leave.
[SCOFFS]
[CHAIR CREAKS]
[SIGHS]
You know Esmeralda?
Mm.
All right.
Tomorrow morning, first thing.
Bring your bags packed.
Thank you.
[DOOR CREAKS]
[DRIGO'S "PAS DE DEUX
ESMERALDA" PLAYING]
f*ck.
[DRIGO'S "PAS DE DEUX
ESMERALDA" PLAYING]
[MUSIC INTENSIFIES]
[GRUNTS]
[TICKING]
Ugh!
[PANTS]
[MUSIC ENDS, APPLAUSE]
[APPLAUSE FADES]
[WATER SPLASHES]
[SNIFFS]
[DOOR CREAKS]
[FLOORBOARD CREAKS]
[FOOTSTEPS SCUFF]
[FLOORBOARD CREAKS]
[DRIGO'S "PAS DE DEUX
ESMERALDA" PLAYING]
[GRUNTS]
[CLASSICAL MUSIC CRESCENDOS,
APPLAUSE]
[BREATHES HEAVILY]
[APPLAUSE]
[CHEERING, WHISTLING]
Aargh! Ah!
[WHIMPERS]
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACH]
[DOOR THUDS][IN RUSSIAN]
please follow me.
The rest will stay with Popov.
Ah, yes.
[IN RUSSIAN]
And...
[FOOTSTEPS THUD]
[FOOTSTEPS PAD]
[FOOTSTEPS PAD]
VOLKOVA [IN RUSSIAN]:
[FOOTSTEP THUDS][BREATHES ANXIOUSLY]
Ksenia, you stay with Popov.
Joika, get your leg looked at
and be in Studio A tomorrow.
KSENIA [IN RUSSIAN]:
[DOOR OPENS]
The rest, follow me.
[DOOR SLAMS, FOOTSTEPS RETREAT]
[DOOR SLAMS]
[SPITS]
[IN RUSSIAN]
[DOOR SLAMS]
[IN RUSSIAN]
[IN RUSSIAN]
[JOY WINCES]
[RIMSKY-KORSAKOV'S
"FLIGHT OF THE BUMBLEBEE" PLAYS]
[TUTOR CLAPS, VOCALIZES RHYTHM]
TUTOR [IN RUSSIAN]:
[FEET THUD]
[TUTOR CLAPS, VOCALIZES RHYTHM]
TUTOR [IN RUSSIAN]:
Faster!
JOY: I had no idea
this was up here.
No one does.
Hmm?
I shouldn't.
[DOG BARKS IN DISTANCE]
I think everyone hates me.
You want to be a prima
one day?
10 times worse.
The only friend a prima has left
is her audience.
But if it's what you want, right?
Mm.
[TUTS]
Guess what?
What?
[GRUNTS]
Paquita can't dance
without her Lucien, right?
- Are you trying out for Lucien?
- Already down to four of us.
- Congrats.
- Thank you.
So...
you want to try it?
What?
The Pas De Deux.
[LAUGHS]
Up here?
Come on.
All right, Lucien d'Hervilly.
[LAUGHS]
Let's see what you got.
[LAUGHS]
Ooh.
VOLKOVA:
What will you do for the role?
That is what you must
ask yourself over and over.
How much are you
willing to risk?
How much are you
willing to sacrifice?
How much of your life...
are you really willing to give?
[IN RUSSIAN]
you are Paquita?
She's of noble birth.
She's a princess.
And yet, she's a Gypsy girl
during the occupation
of an enemy army.
She's cold, she's lonely,
and she's terrified.
How could I possibly
believe you are her...
and not some spoiled tourist...
pretending?
A great dancer
never pretends.
A great dancer knows a life
is devoted utterly to ballet...
or not at all.
[RETCHING]
[RECORDED]
Joy, it's Mom.
Hey, where are you? I haven't
spoken to you in weeks.
Give me a call, okay?
Please.
VOLKOVA:
They know pain...
is their friend,
their companion,
without which
nothing will be achieved...
Not beauty, not talent,
not greatness.
The day you wake up
without pain...
is the day you are
no longer a dancer.
Natasha!
[IN RUSSIAN]
[CRIES OUT]
[DOOR SLAMS]
[IN RUSSIAN]
["PAQUITA - VARIATION 7,
ALLEGRO" PLAYS ON PIANO]
with you today?
Sorry, Tatiyana. My foot...
I don't want excuses.
If you're not ready, go sit,
and don't waste my time.
Joika?
[CLASSICAL PIANO MUSIC RESUMES]
[IN RUSSIAN]
[MUSIC STOPS]
All right, girls. Line up.
[SNIFFLES]
Nadia.
[DOOR CLICKS]
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACH]
a few moments in life...
that will define...
everything that comes after.
Do not fail to recognize...
when they arrive.
I expect something
inspired tomorrow.
And right now...
neither one of you
has done enough.
[SNIFFS]
Natasha, I...
[IN RUSSIAN]
[DOOR OPENS]
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS]
Joy? Are you okay?
Yeah. I... I need to...
- I need to join your class.
- What?
I need to... I need to train,
and I need to get stronger.
Joy, this is a men's class.
Well, can you speak
to the teacher for me?
What's happened?
Can you ask him?
Ask him, please.
No, Joy. This is crazy.
[IN RUSSIAN]
Can you just ask him?
Joy, please.
[IN RUSSIAN]
[IN RUSSIAN]
[MEN SNICKER]
[CLAPS, VOCALIZES RHYTHM]
[CLAPS, VOCALIZES RHYTHM]
[CLAPS, VOCALIZES RHYTHM]
[FOOTSTEPS THUD]
[BREATHES HEAVILY]
[FOOTSTEPS THUD]
[CLAPS, VOCALIZES RHYTHM]
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACH]
[IN RUSSIAN]
Hey.
- I was going to tell you.
- I know. Congratulations, Nik.
I'm really happy for you.
You deserve it.
- Are you okay?
- No, I'm fine.
Don't worry about...
Don't worry about me.
[IN RUSSIAN]
[SCISSORS SNIP]
[LAPTOP CHIMES]
[KEYS CLICK]
[CALL BEEPS]
[INAUDIBLE]
[LAPTOP THUDS]
[IN RUSSIAN]
JOY [IN RUSSIAN]:
JOY:
[DOOR CLICKS]
["THE CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS -
LE CYGNE - THE SWAN" PLAYS]
Oh, it's just like magic,
the way she moves up there.
[CHUCKLES]
Like, imagine what that
must feel like, to...
be her, to be up there,
dancing like that.
She's the reason
I came to Russia.
- Osipova?
- I saw a video of her dancing...
Thought I was watching an angel.
[BOTH LAUGH]
Okay.
What's your story, then?
Story? Um...
I was flexible as a kid.
We had no money.
My parents saw an investment...
Story of a Russian dancer.
- You don't love it?
- If it was up to me...
I would rather be normal...
Drink beer, eat good food,
sleep in,
get fat...
have a family,
not abuse my body every day.
Well, when you're in the
audience, all fat and happy,
and I am in the Bolshoi...[LAUGHS]
- ...I will wave to you.
- What? Oh,
the prima is so kind.[BOTH LAUGH]
So...
I had fun tonight.
Goodnight, Nik.[CHUCKLES] Goodnight, Joy.
[DOOR CLICKS]
[SIGHS]
[CLICKING]
[SIGHS]
[DOOR SLAMS DISTANTLY]
[INHALES]
[GASPS]
Aargh!
[PANTS]
That's nice.
Oh!
- You decided to join us.
- Someone stole my alarm clock.
VOLKOVA:
Stole your alarm?
[PANTS]
But I'm ready now.
It has nothing to do
with you going out last night...
with a male dancer?
I-I wasn't.
I went to the Bolshoi...
Ah, no matter. Line up.
[SIGHS]
My decision has been made...
Natasha will be dancing Paquita.
Dance rehearsal
is in four weeks' time,
and I will continue to work
with you one-on-one until then.
Congratulations.
You may join Popov's class
or go back to sleep...
Is of no difference.
Let's carry on.
And... one,
two. Beautiful.
[DOOR CLICKS]
[IN RUSSIAN]
- No.
I went to the Bolshoi
last night.
I went to see Natalia Osipova. I
was trying to find inspiration.
I wasn't... Oh, good. I hope you found it.
Please, please. Just... I cannot help you.
My decision is made.
But you pushed Natasha further
than she would have ever gone,
so you should be proud of that.
Natasha won't
get into the Bolshoi.
Why would she need to
cheat otherwise?
And you think you would?
- Yes.
- Oh.
5000 dancers try every year...
Not one American.
Why would I risk
my reputation
on one that doesn't
even show up?
- I was sabotaged.
- You were beaten.
You had to make it impossible
for me to ignore you,
instead, you made it easy.
So now it is time to accept
defeat gracefully
and move on.
Is that what you would do...
Accept defeat gracefully?
Good luck in the Corps.
[COUGHING, VOMITING]
[GASPING, SNIFFING]
[RETCHING, COUGHING]
[ORCHESTRA TUNES UP,
REHEARSES DISCORDANTLY]
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS]
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS]
[IN RUSSIAN]
Good.
["PAQUITA - NO.3, ALLEGRO"
PLAYING]
[IN RUSSIAN]
[WHISPERS, IN RUSSIAN]:
Wait.
Joika!
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS]
[BREATHES SOFTLY, ANXIOUSLY]
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACH]
Joika... my girl.
Five-plus.
I think you did it.[LAUGHS, SOBS]
I can't believe it.
I think you did it.
I'm going to stay on him.
The list will be up soon.
[LAUGHS, CRIES][WHISPERS]
It's a miracle.
Thank you.
[IN RUSSIAN]
[FOOTSTEPS RETREAT]
PARENTS [RECORDED]: Hi. You've come through
to the Womack Family.
[LAUGHS] We're not here,
but leave us a message,
and we'll get back to you.
BOTH: Bye.
[BEEPS]
Mom?
I think I did it.
I think I'm gonna be
in the Bolshoi.
I think I'm gonna be
in the Bolshoi!
[SNIFFLES]
I love you. Just call me
when you wake up.
Okay.
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACH]
[IN RUSSIAN]
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS]
[PANTS]
[GASPS]
[CELL PHONE VIBRATING]
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS]
Tatiyana! The list...
My name's not on the list!
I think something's...
[GASPS]
You said that the list...
[IN RUSSIAN]
I don't understand how that...
I let you upstage Natasha.
[WHISPERS]
I was wrong.
[INHALES SHARPLY]
Can you just tell me
what's going on?
You're not Russian!
You're American.
This is the Bolshoi,
and the Bolshoi has rules!
We tried, and we failed,
and there's nothing more
to say to that.
[IN RUSSIAN]
[SIGHS]
[FOOTSTEPS THUD]
[FOOTSTEPS THUD]
Joy.
I heard. I'm so sorry.
[SNIFFLES]
Nik, I'm just...
I'm gonna ask you something,
and I don't know...
what you're gonna say,
but I'm just...
I'm just gonna ask you anyway.
Joy?
Would you...
Would you marry me?[WHISPERS] Hey.
I did everything they asked,
and I made it.
And I'm not gonna give up now,
'cause I'm just too close.
After everything that I did,
I'm not...
- You didn't make it.
- I did.
- You didn't make it.
- But I did.
You get a five-plus,
and it's still not enough.
Politics wins in the end.
It always does.
There is nothing
you can do about it.
[WHISPERS]
But what if there is?
TUTOR:
Nikolay!
[SIGHS]
[SNIFFLES]
They should've accepted you.
f*ck where you're from.
[FOOTSTEPS THUD]
[SOBS]
[CELL PHONE VIBRATING]
[RAIN PATTERING]
[ALERT BUZZES]
[KEYPAD CLICKS]
OFFICIANT [IN RUSSIAN]:
[CELL PHONE VIBRATING]
Hey, I thought maybe you could
come have dinner
with us tonight.
Yeah. Yeah. I'd like that.
[IN RUSSIAN]
[CELL PHONE VIBRATING]
Joy?
Hey, Mom.
Yeah, sorry I missed your calls.
I've just been, like, really
busy with stuff today. Yeah.
Honey, we're here!
You're where?
In Moscow. We're here.
We just arrived.
What?
That's what I've been
trying to call you about.
We're in a taxi, heading
to the Winter Palace Hotel.
[CAR HORNS HONK]
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS]
[PANTS]
I'm Russian.
- What?
- I'm Russian.
- I'm sorry. I have to go.
- Joika.
[IN RUSSIAN]
[KEYPAD CLICKS]
[MESSAGE ALERT WHOOPS]
[TEXT MESSAGE ALERT BEEPS]
[SIGHS]
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS]
Joy.
Jesus Christ.
Um, I... I should
call the restaurant.
No, it's fine. We'll...
Let's just go now.
Joy, what happened to you?
[SCOFFS] Nothing, Mom.
[SNIFFS]
I'm fine.
You think the way
you look right now,
the way you're behaving,
that's fine?
Dad, oh, my God. It's...
It's norm... It's like a...
It's a performance thing.
You promised me
you were looking after yourself.
I am. I'm looking
after myself.
[CELL PHONE VIBRATES]
Joy...
Can we please go, though?
Because I have to make
a phone call, and...
I don't know
what we're doing.
[CELL PHONE VIBRATES]
MOM: Sweetheart...
what's going on?
Just talk to us.
You know, 5000 people try and
get into the Bolshoi every year.
But not Americans.
Americans don't get into
the Bolshoi.
- But you did.
- Just please don't say:
"Who you are is enough,"
because sometimes it's just not.
Sometimes who you are
isn't enough,
and that's the whole point...
Is that you have to become
something else,
something better,
and that's okay.
That's okay, because that's what
you have to do to be the best,
and that's what I'm doing.
And I don't wanna have
to hate myself for it.
I don't wanna have to
hate what I'm doing
or hate what I'm being or hate
what I have to say. I just...
I don't want you to hate me.
I want you to be proud of me.
We are proud of you.
But you're not, because you...
You don't know me,
because you think I'm some
innocent little f*cking child,
but I'm not.
I'm completely different.
That person is dead.
That person is gone.
I hate that person.
I hate her. This is me now,
and this is the person
I need you to be proud of!
MOM [SOFTLY]:
We are.
[SNIFFLES]
Joy...
what's going on?
[SOBS][WHISPERS] It's okay.
[SIREN WAILING, ENGINE REVS]
MOM: You have to get that
marriage annulled.
And you have to come home.
I can't.
You can.
If you could just
see me dance here,
you would understand.
I have seen you dance.
Not here...
not like this.
Joy, please.
Come home now.
Stop all this.
[CAR HORNS BEEP]
[WHISPERS]
I can't.
Then I hope you enjoy
this life you've created
for yourself.
[SIREN WAILS]
[GIRLS GIGGLING]
[GIGGLING]
[SNIFFLES]
[GASPS]
[GASPS]
[GASPS]
["A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM
OVERTURE, OP. 21, MWV P 3"]
[MUSIC SOARS]
[IN RUSSIAN]
- [IN RUSSIAN] It's no good.
- [IN RUSSIAN] Yes, I agree.
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS]
[IN RUSSIAN]
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS]
[AGNES OBEL'S
"THE CURSE" PLAYING]
[CROW CAWS]
[BRAKES SQUEAK]
The curse ruled
By the underground
Down by the shore
And their hope grew
With a hunger to live
Unlike before
[WIND WHOOSHES]
[IN RUSSIAN]
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS]
[WIND WHISTLES]
[LE CORSAIRE - ACT III, 5.
LE JARDIN ANIME: [GARLANDS PLAYS]
[CLASSICAL MUSIC SWELLS]
[MUSIC SOFTENS, SLOWS]
[WARM MUSIC]
[SOFT, ETHEREAL MUSIC]
[IN RUSSIAN]
Hold the line.
Pull your neck.
Good.
[MUSIC BUILDS SLOWLY]
[MUSIC SWELLS]
[INAUDIBLE DIALOGUE]
You are unique.
Russian precision,
American fire.
Perhaps you can tell me of what
roles you had dreamed of...
and why Ivanov...
is such a fool...
for overlooking you.
[CHUCKLES]
Um, do you think I could
use the bathroom quickly?
Of course.
Vlastik.
He will show you the way.
[IN RUSSIAN]
[CURTAIN RATTLES]
[FOOTSTEPS RETREAT]
[BREATHES SHARPLY]
[EXHALES HEAVILY]
[SIGHS]
[BREATHES HEAVILY]
[SIGHS]
[SPRAY BOTTLE HISSES]
[SIGHS]
[SIGHS]
Sorry to keep you waiting.
No, not a problem.
Oh.
Open it.
Now put it away.
Consider it a gift...
An appreciation of your talents
and nothing more.
I know how hard things are
for a young artist.
You know what?
Let's get out of here.
[LAUGHS]
This place is boring.
I have somewhere nearby.
We could carry on
our conversation
and have a nightcap,
just...
do whatever we want.
[CHUCKLES]
The world is our oyster.
What do you say?
I'd like that.
Good.
Wonderful.
[SLURPS]
Now, let me guess. The first
role you are going to tell me...
is, uh, Odette.
Are you all right?
[WHISPERS]
I'm sorry.
I... I can't.
I'm sorry.
[SIGHS]
Am I missing something here?
No. Uh, I'm...
I just... I can't... You want to insult me?
- In front of my friends?
- No. I'm not...
- Is that what it is?
- No. I'm very...
By implying that
I just want to f*ck you?
[IN RUSSIAN]
[GASPS]
[HEELS CLIP-CLOP]
[TRAFFIC NOISE RISES]
NIKOLAY:
Joy?
[CELL PHONE VIBRATING]
Vitaliy?
[IN RUSSIAN]
[GASPS]
NIKOLAY:
Mm-hm.
Mm-hm. Okay.
I've got it. Thank you.
[TELEPHONE CLATTERS]
That was the
New York Herald again.
They want to speak to you.
They know, Joy.
You don't speak, the Bolshoi
will say whatever they want.
MOTHER [IN RUSSIAN]:
[LINE RINGS]
New York Herald,
David speaking.
Um, yes. H-hi.
This is Joy Womack.
[TRAIN WHIRS LOUDLY]
[INDISTINCT PA ANNOUNCEMENT]
[MAN COUGHS]
[CELL PHONE KEYPAD CLICKS]
[PAPER RUSTLES]
Nikolay, look.
Look what they're
saying about me.
You said to... To what?
Go to dinner with Vadys?
[IN RUSSIAN]
There is something else.
They have said you are going
to need to live somewhere else
from now on.
Mother's already packed
your things.
But...
you're my husband.
[CHUCKLES]
Husband?
Now you want to talk
about husband?
- We're married.
- It's bullshit!
All of this...
is bullshit...
For the Bolshoi,
for ballet, ballet,
ballet, f*cking ballet!
And look where it got you...
You want me to stand by you,
be your husband?
Tell me you didn't just marry me
so you can get into the Bolshoi.
[WHISPERS]
I'm sorry, Nik.
Nik, I'm so sorry.
[SIGHS]
I messed up everything.
I just wanted to be like
Natalia Osipova.
I just...
I just wanted to dance.
[OBJECTS CLATTER]
[CAR HORN HONKS]
WOMAN [IN RUSSIAN]:
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS][DOG BARKS]
[WATER RUNS]
[LOCKER DOOR CLANGS]
[SKIPPING ROPE THWACKS,
WEIGHTS CLINK]
[BABY WAILS]
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS]
[LOCK CLICKS]
[MOP THUDS]
[CELL PHONE BUZZES]
[SIGHS SOFTLY]
[KEYPAD CLICKS]
[KNOCK AT DOOR]
[DOOR CLICKS]
Yes?
Are you going to invite me in?
[DISTANT, INDISTINCCONVERSATIONS]
7:30.
Don't be late.
[IN RUSSIAN]
[DOOR THUDS, CLICKS]
[DOORBELL BUZZES]
[ROCK MUSIC PLAYS LOUDLY]
Joika, this is
Martyn Martynyuk.
[IN RUSSIAN]
[MUSIC CONTINUES
PLAYING QUIETLY]
This is her?
Wait.
I know you.
[IN RUSSIAN]
VOLKOVA:
Misha! Behave yourself.
MISHA:
Ow!
[IN RUSSIAN]
MISHA:
VOLKOVA:
Go home.
Okay.
Fare thee well, ladies.[SIGHS]
Can you believe he was named
Honored Artist Of Russia
last year?
[SIGHS]
You know I was a dancer?
A critic once described
my Giselle as having
the power and grace...
of the late Anna Pavlova.
I cried when I read that.
I thought nothing could
ever be wrong again.
And then I fell pregnant.
A gift from a patron.
And so...
my career as a dancer ended.
Much like...
my career as
a director now, yes?
Tatiyana, I had... no idea.
I'm so sorry. I never
would've wanted that.
I took her to Paris...
[SIGHS]
started new. Until one day,
she wanted to return,
with dreams of her own.
But you knew that already,
didn't you?
That's what they
all talk about...
How Tatiyana Volkova's daughter
starved herself for the Bolshoi,
and the Bolshoi
still didn't want her.
The truth is...
my daughter starved herself
because she was
never a good enough dancer.
What was your excuse?
- What?
- I don't know...
You thought the
Bolshoi would like it?
It would throw off Natasha,
force my hand?
- I have to go.
- Sit down, Joika.
- What do you want from me?
- I want what you owe me.
- I don't owe you anything.
- Oh, yes, you do.
You do.
I said I have to go.
Goodnight.
You've heard of Varna?
The Gala Competition?
I am training Misha.
His partner broke her ankle
two days ago,
and no one will replace her.
You're asking me
to dance for you?
You thought this was
a social visit?
- I can't.
- Why?
I'm the traitor.
I'm the reason you got fired.
Why are you asking me?
Because f*ck the Bolshoi...
That's why.
I know what you
went through, Joika.
I went through it too.
That stage...
That stage was your home,
and they took it from you.
And I'm giving you a chance
to get back on it.
For the wrong dancer,
it could be a humiliation.
But for the right one...
the next Natalia Osipova.
But I'm not the next
Natalia Osipova.
Maybe.
But...
you're also not
a toilet cleaner.
I need to know
by tomorrow morning.
Have a good night, Joika.
[SHOE CREAKS]
[IN RUSSIAN]
[IN RUSSIAN]
at the vultures.
Tatiyana.
It's been too long.
Vladimir.
Uh, please meet my guest,
Diana Ava-Marie,
the great American prima
gracing us with her presence.
And Diana,
meet Tatiyana Volkova,
the recently retired Director
of the Bolshoi Academy.
Lovely to meet you, Tatiyana.
I've heard a lot about you,
- of course.
- Yes, and I have of you.
Mm.
- And you are a dancer?
- Joy Womack.
[LAUGHS]
You're not retiring;
you're waging w*r.
Oh. [LAUGHS]
Your choice of words.
[LAUGHS]
Tatiyana.
[IN RUSSIAN]
[IN RUSSIAN]
DIANA: You were the dancer that left
the Bolshoi... The American?
Yeah.
Sometimes we don't know
who we are till we fall.
Even now,
I'm still figuring it out.
The best of us usually are.
- Yes.
- Don Q...
A very high bar.
I wish you all the best with it.
about Diana in Prague?
They called her Coppelia
a modern miracle.
- VOLKOVA: Oh.
- DIANA: If we listen
when they praise us, we must
listen when they dismiss us.
[TCHAIKOVSKY'S 'STRING QUARTENO. 1 IN D MAJOR OP. 11' PLAYS]
[IN RUSSIAN]
[IN RUSSIAN]
[CHUCKLES]
Mm-hm.
NATALIA [IN RUSSIAN]:
Thank you.
It was nice to meet you.
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS]
[PANTS]
[SHOE SQUEAKS]
[PANTS]
[GRUNTS]
[BREATHES HEAVILY]
[APPLAUSE]
Next up, we have Anastasia
Kuznetsova and Abram Vasiliev,
with Esmeralda!
[APPLAUSE]
["LA ESMERALDA PAS DE DEUX"
PLAYS]
[APPLAUSE CONTINUES]
You're up in 12.
30 seconds between variations.
The orchestra will cue you.
Okay?
Da, da.
We know the drill. Spasibo.
Okay.
Stay focused.
Misha.
You've got this.
[ORCHESTRA CONTINUES PLAYING
"LA ESMERALDA PAS DE DEUX"]
[MUSIC CONTINUES PLAYING,
BUILDS DRAMATICALLY]
Mom.
[APPLAUSE, CHEERING]
ANNOUNCER: And now,
dancing Pas De Deux
from Don Quixote,
Mikhail Martynyuk
and Joy Womack!
[APPLAUSE]
[DRUMROLL]
[ORCHESTRA PLAYS
"DON QUIXOTE, ACT IV - ENTREE"]
MAN [IN RUSSIAN]:
[AUDIENCE MURMURS]
Come on.
[CLASSICAL MUSIC
CONTINUES PLAYING]
Relax.
MAN [IN RUSSIAN]:
[APPLAUSE]
You've got to relax out there.
Breathe and relax.
Don't push so much yet. Okay?
You need to manage
your strength. Okay?
MOM:
Joy?
Mom!
- MISHA: This is your mother?
- Yeah.
VOLKOVA [IN RUSSIAN]:
[IN RUSSIAN]
Yes. It's fine. She can stay.
I can't believe you made it.
Joy, you look
so beautiful out there.
That's enough. You're on!
[APPLAUSE]
Let's go.
[SIGHS]
[FOOTSTEPS THUD]
[RICHARD STRAUSS' "DON QUIXOTE,
OP. 35 - VARIATION 2" PLAYS]
[APPLAUSE]
She's amazing.
[CRACKS]
[GASPS][MUSIC SWELLS]
[ORCHESTRA PLAYS "DON QUIXOTE,
ACT IV - ADAGIO"]
[MUSIC CRESCENDOS, ENDS]
[APPLAUSE]
[IN RUSSIAN]
[GRUNTS, PANTS]
Oh.
VOLKOVA [IN RUSSIAN]:
How long have you had that?
- Excuse me. Hi.
- Hi.
Okay. How does this feel?[WINCES, GASPS]
Okay, okay, okay, okay, okay.
Okay, okay. It's...
It's fine.
I can't let you go back
out there. I'm sorry.
- It could be broken.
- What?!
Keep dancing on that, and
you could do permanent damage.
But it's not... It's-it's not
broken. It cannot be broken.
- Do you want me to call it off?
- Call it off?!
- 'Cause you squeezed her foot?
- He said it was broken!
- What are we doing?
- MOM: Joy... please.
Stop...
Stop this now.
It's over.
There's nothing left to prove.
10 seconds.
Five seconds.
[SIGHS]
MISHA [IN RUSSIAN]:
Sorry. You did well.
Bad luck.
["DON QUIXOTE, ACT IV -
BASILIO'S VARIATION" PLAYS]
[APPLAUSE]
[CHEERING]
[SOBS]
I'm sorry, sweetheart.
But you're doing
the right thing.
We'll get you out there
for the bow,
then I'm taking you home.
[WHISPERS]
It's time to come home now.
Can we get some
crutches, please?
We need to take her out of here.
Do we need to get an ambulance?
[MUSIC FADES]
[SOFT, SLOW PIANO MUSIC]
[FOOTSTEPS THUD]
[PIANO MUSIC CONTINUES]
[SOFT PIANO MUSIC BUILDS]
[CLASSICAL MUSIC RISES]
["DON QUIXOTE, ACT IV -
BASILIO'S VARIATION" PLAYS]
Joy?
I am home.
What?[GASPS]
You won't win now.
I know.
MOM:
Joy.
[IN RUSSIAN]
[SIGHS]
["FUR ALINA" PLAYING]
[DELICATE PIANO MUSIC CONTINUES]
[GASPS]
[BREATHES HEAVILY]
[ETHEREAL MUSIC]
[ETHEREAL MUSIC CONTINUES]
[MUSIC FADES]
[APPLAUSE, CHEERING]
[APPLAUSE, CHEERING CONTINUES]
[APPLAUSE, CHEERING CONTINUES]
[APPLAUSE, CHEERING INTENSIFIES,
AUDIENCE STOMP RHYTHMICALLY]
[MUSIC FADES]
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American, The (2023)
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