Original subtitles

Did you wanna do one more?

Yeah.

Do one more. Come on.

Well done, Joy.

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!

It's true that you were scouted

while dancing for an American school?

Yes, at the Kirov in Washington.

And the Bolshoi has always been your dream?

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...

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.

Good morning.

I'm Joy.

Everyone stares when they first see her.

Sorry?

Natasha.

That's how you know she's who the Bolshoi will pick.

What hope do the rest of us have?

I'm sorry...

my Russian is...

I'm Joy.

I know. The American.

Everyone's wondering how you got in here. You must be special.

Good morning.

Reverence!

Plié!

Back strong.

Up, up, up!

Watch the turn out.

Chin higher, neck straight!

Alyona, swap.

Next time it won't be one place you lose.

Good, Natasha.

Straight lines. That's it.

Beautiful.

Up! Up! Up! Up! Up!

Good.

Strong.

Center!

American in the first group.

Let's see if it's a mistake.

Ease in, don't rush.

Head up. Straight ahead.

Move.

And, turn!

Good. Do we have a future prima in our midst?

Faster, lift your legs!

Turn.

Turn!

Try again.

Show me a pirouette combination in the center.

Everyone else on the wall!

And...

You're overreaching.

Don't drift.

You're drifting.

You're drifting.

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.

Changement de pieds!

No music.

And... changement de pieds!

Changement de pieds! Changement de pieds!

Changement de pieds! Changement de pieds!

One, two, three, four!

One, two, three, four!

Echappe! One, two,

three, four! Jete.

Jete! Jete! Jete! Jete! Jete!

Chaine turns!

Turn!

Turn!

Turn!

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!

First Arabesque.

Release.

Grand jete! Natasha lead! And...

Saute! Arms, nice.

Beautiful.

Good, Natasha. Polina!

Natasha, you lead. And...

Jump! Jump higher!

That's it!

Good!

This woman pays for everything.

This woman pays for everything.

Bon Appetit. Enjoy your meal.

Bon Appetit. Enjoy your meal.

This woman pays for everything.

This woman... pays for everything.

For everything.

Jump!

Higher! Up!

Beautiful, Natasha.

Jump!

That's it!

Leap high, reach up!

That's it Joika, much improved.

All right, girls. Line up.

I have exciting news.

The Bolshoi have announced they are looking for a new dancer.

They have asked us to put on a performance of Paquita as an audition.

Selections will be made tomorrow morning.

Dismissed.

Looks comfortable.

Hm.

Tea?

No, thank you.

They're never 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.

Fuck where they're from.

You wanna come out tonight?

A guy in my class--

His birthday.

You can see the world outside the prison.

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.

I am an idiot!

Go, go, go, go. Come on.

Where are we going?

I'm going to the bathroom. Don't go anywhere. Okay?

Okay.

Come on. Let's have a drink.

No, thanks.

What do you know about Volkova?

Your teacher?

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. - Look.

There is a photo in the office-- Volkova's daughter.

So thin you can see through her.

That's what the Bolshoi wants. And she knows it.

This world isn't about ballet.

It's about politics.

- What's going on? - Whoa! Whoa!

Wait. What do you mean?

You'll see.

The best dancer doesn't get chosen.

Win the teacher, you win the role.

Everything else...

is wasted energy.

Good morning.

Line up, please.

Natasha.

Nadia.

Katya.

Diana.

Ksenia.

If your name was called out, you will be trying out for Paquita.

The rest of you will do background work in the Corps with Popov.

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.

No.

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.

You know Esmeralda?

Mm.

All right.

Tomorrow morning, first thing.

Bring your bags packed.

Thank you.

Fuck.

Ugh!

Aargh! Ah!

Good morning.

Those who have been selected, please follow me.

The rest will stay with Popov.

Ah, yes.

No music.

And...

Enough.

Ksenia, you stay with Popov.

Joika, get your leg looked at and be in Studio A tomorrow.

What?

The rest, follow me.

Fuck you, American bitch.

No.

Vitamin B.

It's good for you.

All you girls are malnourished.

You have a problem with your foot.

Beginning of a stress fracture.

You should take it easy.

Or it will get worse.

It's fine, thank you.

Okay. It's up to you.

More!

Weak!

Not good enough!

Faster!

I had no idea this was up here.

No one does.

Hmm?

I shouldn't.

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.

Guess what?

What?

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.

Up here?

Come on.

All right, Lucien d'Hervilly.

Let's see what you got.

Ooh.

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?

Katya, you can go back to Popov.

You want me to believe 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.

Joy, it's Mom.

Hey, where are you? I haven't spoken to you in weeks.

Give me a call, okay?

Please.

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!

Stop! Glass!

Get up!

Natasha, what is wrong 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?

Enough.

All right, girls. Line up.

Nadia.

There are only 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.

Natasha, I...

Fuck you.

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.

Can you just ask him?

Line up!

Joy, please.

What's going on?

Nothing.

I want to train in your class.

I'll work harder than any man here.

I'm not afraid.

Well, then.

It's your body, your business.

Try not to look like a fucking ballerina.

Nikolay.

My congratulations.

I hear that you won the role of Lucien.

Well done.

And!

More!

Horrible.

Hold the body.

Horrible.

Horrible.

And!

You okay?

Yes.

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.

Win the teacher, win the role.

Right?

Joy! It's too late now, they won't let us in!

They will, they will, they will!

Excuse me, we're looking for Fedor?

Stay at the back and be quiet.

Okay.

Oh, it's just like magic, the way she moves up there.

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.

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...

- ...I will wave to you. - What? Oh,

the prima is so kind.

So...

I had fun tonight.

- Goodnight, Nik. - Goodnight, Joy.

Aargh!

That's nice.

Oh!

- You decided to join us. - Someone stole my alarm clock.

Stole your alarm?

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.

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.

You stole my alarm.

How could you do that?

Don't blame me for your failure.

Fuck off.

- Tatiana, please. - 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.

Good.

I'm done. Thank you.

Wait.

Joika!

Now is the moment.

Pas de deux.

Joika... my girl.

Five-plus.

I think you did it.

I can't believe it. I think you did it.

I'm going to stay on him. The list will be up soon.

It's a miracle.

Thank you.

A miracle!

Hi. You've come through to the Womack Family.

We're not here, but leave us a message,

- and we'll get back to you. - Bye.

Mom?

I think I did it.

I think I'm gonna be in the Bolshoi.

I think I'm gonna be in the Bolshoi!

I love you. Just call me when you wake up.

Okay.

The list! The list is up!

BOLSHOI THEATRE Female:

Male: Nikolay Lebedev

Tatiyana! The list-- My name's not on the list!

I think something's...

You said that the list--

I know what I said.

- I don't understand how that-- - I was wrong.

I let you upstage Natasha.

I was wrong.

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.

I'll be answering for this.

Joy.

I heard. I'm so sorry.

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? - 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.

But what if there is?

Nikolay!

They should've accepted you.

Fuck where you're from.

We are gathered here today,

to bear witness before God,

in the consummation of marriage,

between two people.

Nikolay Petrovich Lebedev,

do you agree to take Joy Womack

to be your lawful wife?

Yes.

And you, Joy Womack, do you agree to take

Nikolay Petrovich Lebedev,

to be your lawful husband?

Yes.

In the presence of Nikolay's mother, Valeriya Lebedeva,

I pronounce you man and wife.

Hey, I thought maybe you could

come have dinner with us tonight.

Yeah. Yeah. I'd like that.

I'll see you soon?

- 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.

I'm Russian.

- What? - I'm Russian.

- I'm sorry. I have to go. - Joika.

Winter Palace Hotel, please.

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? - Nothing, Mom.

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.

Joy...

Can we please go, though?

Because I have to make a phone call, and...

I don't know what we're doing.

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 fucking 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!

We are.

Joy...

what's going on?

It's okay.

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.

I can't.

Then I hope you enjoy this life you've created

for yourself.

You! In the Corps!

Turn your head to the back!

Don't make me ask again!

- It's no good. - Yes, I agree.

Excuse me, Vitaliy Ivanov?

Can I speak to you a moment?

What is it?

It's just... I've been here a year now...

I had hoped...

maybe I could try for a role at some point.

I would work incredibly hard.

As would anyone.

Look, everyone wants roles.

But some people are born Prima Ballerinas,

and some are born Corps Dancers.

Perhaps you should find a Patron,

if doors that are closed need opening.

Now, if you don't mind.

You left this place a mess this morning.

I'm not cleaning up for you.

Don't blame it on Nikolay.

These are the responsibilities of being a wife.

And the rent is due again.

If you're not earning enough at the Bolshoi,

then it's time for a different job.

I earn more as a cleaner than you do.

Hold the line.

Pull your neck.

Good.

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.

Um, do you think I could use the bathroom quickly?

Of course.

Vlastik.

He will show you the way.

I will wait here.

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.

This place is boring.

I have somewhere nearby.

We could carry on our conversation

and have a nightcap, just...

do whatever we want.

The world is our oyster.

What do you say?

I'd like that.

Good.

Wonderful.

Now, let me guess. The first role you are going to tell me...

is, uh, Odette.

Are you all right?

I'm sorry.

I... I can't.

I'm sorry.

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 fuck you?

You think I'd need to pay for that?

Joy?

Vitaliy?

You can quit or be fired.

Either way, you're done.

Mm-hm.

Mm-hm. Okay.

I've got it. Thank you.

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.

The Bolshoi are looking at Nikolay now.

My son could lose his job because of you.

You need to set the record straight.

New York Herald, David speaking.

Um, yes. H-hi.

This is Joy Womack.

"TRAITOR"

"AMERICAN FIRED FROM BOLSHOI, LIES IN U.S. PRESS"

Nikolay, look.

Look what they're saying about me.

- You said to... - To what?

Go to dinner with Vadys?

Make us enemy number one at the Bolshoi?

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.

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, fucking 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.

I'm sorry, Nik.

Nik, I'm so sorry.

I messed up everything.

I just wanted to be like Natalia Osipova.

I just... I just wanted to dance.

Hurry up, girl!

We have three more this morning.

Yes?

Are you going to invite me in?

7:30.

Don't be late.

Inspiring.

Joika, this is Martyn Martynyuk.

It's good at this level.

This is her?

Wait.

I know you.

Oh, no way. The traitor!

Misha! Behave yourself.

You want to see me behave?

Ow!

You idiot.

I'm fine.

Go home.

Okay.

Fare thee well, ladies.

Can you believe he was named Honored Artist Of Russia

last year?

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...

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 fuck 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.

I need a drink.

Fine.

Right, let's take a look 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.

Don Quixote.

Don Quixote?

You're not retiring; you're waging war.

Oh. Your choice of words.

Tatiyana.

Once we are out, we do not find our way back in.

You know this as well as any of us.

Thank you for the lesson.

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.

Tatiyana, did you hear about Diana in Prague?

They called her Coppelia a modern miracle.

- Oh. - If we listen

when they praise us, we must listen when they dismiss us.

Excuse me, Natalia.

I mean, Miss Osipova.

Yes?

I...

You... you're a beautiful dancer...

Thank you. Are you a dancer?

Mm-hm.

Natalia. They're waiting for you over there.

Thank you.

It was nice to meet you.

Next up, we have Anastasia Kuznetsova and Abram Vasiliev,

with Esmeralda!

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.

Mom.

And now,

dancing Pas De Deux from Don Quixote,

Mikhail Martynyuk and Joy Womack!

Traitor!

Come on.

Relax.

Disgrace!

You've got to relax out there.

Breathe and relax. Don't push so much yet. Okay?

You need to manage your strength. Okay?

Joy?

Mom!

- This is your mother? - Yeah.

Why did you bring her here?

She said she asked...

No.

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!

Let's go.

She's amazing.

What happened out there?

Oh.

Help!

Help!

How long have you had that?

- Excuse me. Hi. - Hi.

Okay. How does this feel?

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? - Joy... please.

Stop...

Stop this now.

It's over.

There's nothing left to prove.

10 seconds.

Five seconds.

I'll finish without her.

Sorry. You did well.

Bad luck.

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.

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?

Joy?

I am home.

What?

You won't win now.

I know.

Joy.

What are you doing?