A film about exhaustion, pain and loneliness of the young ballet dancer Weronika Frodyma

[@isabs8616]

I saw on Instagram that she is still dancing and became a principal. How courageous and victorious! The body has the ability to be renewed, how amazing!

[@michaelameier6927]

She’s such a graceful, enchanting, moving and powerful dancer, so brave and focused - and she’s a wonderful human being as well - adorable!!! 🤎

[@v.britton4445]

Two weeks after I retired, I felt like I was 18 again! The aches and pains and permanent exhaustion of doing daily anaerobic activity like some kind of hypermobile demon...gone... But the loss of the art..irreplaceable

[@ZoeF.O]

@@HelloBabygirl17 You made your body and appearance an art? And you go with that? Care to explain a little? Pls, don't get me wrong, I don't intend to offend you, I can't even imagine that kind of behavior. But I think I didn't understand what you were thinking when you were trying to explain that. Also, you said you were ended up with Substance Use Disorder - was that linked with the pain from all the work that you have put your body through? I'm still actively dancing professionally ballet, and I'm very interested in (eternal question) what is going to be when my career ends... Thx very much if you respond. :)

[@ojj3340]

@@ZoeF.O” the loss of the art” because ballet is an art form. Are you sure you are a professional ballet dancer?

[@jazzman9632]

I have a deep love and admiration for classical ballet dancers. They sacrifice their life for their art. And such an exquisite art it is, but such a short career. It's a bit heartbreaking. Thank you to the film makers for such a sensitive, lovely work.

[@frankG335]

Opera is the same way.

[@JMJ4444-f2n]

@@frankG335 Le Boiem

[@tiffcat1100]

@@frankG335Maybe not so short, can start later & go on much longer?

[@frankG335]

The film is about what it is like to live for that one thing - one's art. Nowhere does it make the claim that it's the story of the greatest ballerina who ever lived. She is very accomplished and has put her life into this. Why people on the sidelines feel the need to criticize the dancer is beyond me. Some men just can't stand to see a woman whose life isn't all about men. Haha! Also, remember that artists themselves read these things. Think before you write. Is some criticisms of some move she makes the only thing you would say if you were face to face with her? I hope not! After her allowing her life to be filmed, which is so vulnerable? What is wrong with these trolls who come on every artist's site and criticize them like they're horses at a sale.

[@joebloggs619]

Like all serious artistic endeavours, you don't do such things because you necessarily choose to do them. You do them because you have an emotional need that cannot be fulfilled in the more usual ways eg fall in love, getting married, have a baby etc. This formula works for most but often not for seriously creative , inventive, sporty of highly intellectual types and explorers and adventurous spirits. Often, realising they canot be like everybody else because their minds are different, causes such people to sometimes look and truly feel sad. There is something that everybody else seems easily find, but which eludes them.

[@mariannec.3939]

You do such things if and only if it is your calling.

[@emmaphilo4049]

@rosie m is it just art or the pressure of society to be perfect because otherwise you won't sustain a career and an income. Income and survival play a role too.

[@riohenry6382]

That’s not true. Many dancers are there because their mother pushed them. Polunin almost quit because he couldn’t find the enthusiasm

[@CottonTollyxoxo]

I am a retired ballet dancer and I danced because I loved it. I pushed myself and went to an elite ballet school and spent summers on scholarship with the top companies in the US. I learned so many life skills from ballet that I'm grateful to have. I learned how to really work hard, self discipline, to take criticism in a healthy way and have a thick skin. I was very happy and never felt I was missing out on anything. The elite and professional levels aren't for everybody, I didn't have an emotional void that I was trying to fulfill nor was I lonely.

[@claudialoiacono1332]

never read anything more truthful and accurate about this topic before.

[@bunnyblue3082]

there's melancholy, nostalgia, homesickness, drive,... so many emotions. the swimming scenes feel like she's breaking free from all her emotions. but besides all the pain, have you seen the dancers behind the scenes watching the others on stage. have you seen their eyes? there's love in them. for the stage. for the few minutes in the spotlight.

[@alicia_naraiah]

Her coaches in Poland were so lovely, it looks like they had a great relationship, so nice to see ☺️💜

[@pavelsmom1089]

Extraordinary documentary...gorgeous and well done as it gives the viewers a deep insight into the world if Ballet. 👍

[@leenakoponen5156]

What a thing of beauty this film is. Thank you.

[@cbpapp]

There comes a time when a dancer has a decision that must be made. That moment is profoundly difficult when you love what you do, but also realize it is putting an enormous strain on your physical body. Ballet involves not only the physical, but also an emotional element as well. At some point your body begins to fail you in some way, as in, your feet, your ankles, or worse. It comes down to “how much longer can I do what I love without causing permanent damage?” It is a decision made from anguish, pain and heartbreak, because for the remainder of your life there is nothing that can fill the void that ballet fills.

[@Jylart]

Well said. This comment went straight to my heart! I was a ballet dancer. My body has really paid the price for it. I tried taking classes again but my body absolutely couldn't take it. Heartbreaking.

[@tiffcat1100]

@@Jylart💜

[@frankG335]

It's so true. All that work and anything can happen to derail all those years, and by then you've left behind the ability to do anything else. Your entire life is your art form, and it's too late to do anything else. And not everyone goes to the top. You may work that hard and end up in the chorus all your life - whether it's opera or ballet or instrumental music, the all-in nature of it means you travel wherever you have to go. You enter different cultures, you're far from home, vulnerable to predatory men, injuries which you hide, pain, which you hide, sickness, which you hide. It's a crazy life but if you've always been in it, it's all you know. This film really brings that to light without preaching.

[@L-Ondee]

if you can't tolerate the idea of spending your life in the chorus maybe you should not be on stage at all." A ballet company is as good as it's weakest (nowadays that refers to technical skills and body shape only) member" . These are John Cranko's words and the idea certainly contributed to the tremendous success he had with his company.Yes it takes a lot of work yes it takes hardship. Life does! The idea that you can not do anything else in case you are forced to stop persuing a professional career in arts seems to be a quite uncreative and conservative pointe of view. Because there are so many possibilities to live a fulfilled life and especially dancers know how to be inpired by something new and how to work hard in order to achieve it. I understand that it may be difficult to understand the drive and the desire behind the pursuit of a professional career in dance if you have not experienced these things by yourself. However the belief that fame success and applause are the main motivation is utterrly mistaken. I doubt that anyone would make it on such vain and frail a basis.

[@ZoeF.O]

@@L-Ondee Haha, on such weak foundations and on such shallow desires, no one would be able to successfully build a solid and satisfying career. They would be just as good as the brick on the bottom of the sea.

[@tanyag8220]

Love how real it feels, almost like living it yourself

[@tomirisissin6336]

Raw, real and absolutely beautiful.

[@gottasay4766]

Well well done film making, story telling. Just the right balance of voice, music, dance, scene editing to move the story along, balance the magic and hardships of a dancers life and to give her life. Bravo.

[@michelblot6316]

From Anne Wagner I remember at 18 realizing i Had no life at Nancy ballet i was dancing if not in the studio the shows at night 13 hours a day and later i whent to the Us to dance in The big shows in Vegas ,at 40 i realised i was dancing with 1 day off a week 2 week off a year Nevers Christmas off because i was on stage Never Easter. I HAVE NO REGRETS it was my passion and i felt the musique in my body amazing feeling.I cannot to in a studio i got burned out and live Evry moment.Great memories

[@carochan86]

What is your career now may I ask? I always do d the after life of a ballet dancer really interesting.

[@frankG335]

What is wrong with people? No matter what art form it is, from ballet to opera to skating to... anything, there's always someone who has to point out that an artist isn't perfect. They think it makes them look knowledgeable. Usually they are adolescent males who are threatened by people who work hard and rise to the top. Every. Single. Time. That is such an obvious sign of deep I security that you feel you must put people down. To the rest of the world, you are screaming out your own insecurity and possibly even laziness. After all, anyone can pick up a phone and say, "Hmph! She's not that great." Just know that by doing that, you look foolish. The most accomplished artists have learned never to put down another artist. So I conclude that you lack accomplishment.

[@billsun6617]

What a great film. The audience feel everything not said! Thank you!

[@kathymyers7279]

Loved watching her rehearse contemporary piece at Statts Ballet. I can see why she was first cast.

[@aeastman59]

beautiful film, thank you for making this so we can see what its like

[@claras.9819]

Beautiful documentary!

[@spacedude5208]

This has no context and I don’t know why but i feel their depression and sadness

[@denissiberian]

That's just Slavic way of life, it might look depressing, but it's fine.

[@miriam3848]

The thaditional birthday song in Russian goes: Let pedestrians run clumsily over puddles And rainwater flow across asphalt like a river...

[@jeweliarex]

Then dont watch

[@jeweliarex]

You feel something... because content is there under the obvious

[@ZoeF.O]

@@miriam3848 lol "Happy birthday, you clumsy pedestrian! And I hope you will be washed out with dirty rain water flow, for many more years to come ☔🎉🎂🎵🎵🎵"

[@justusundjuno6786]

She is now a first soloist dancer at Staatsballett Berlin ❤😊

[@sanjeeviariyananda782]

Superb documentary on the world of ballet and trials and tribulations of a ballerina. Enjoyed every minute of it. Well done!.

[@johnyklismann]

So real ! I’m just feeling like that at the moment . I broke the ligament in my knee a year ago, but unfortunately I'm not dancing again.

[@kathymyers7279]

johny klismann you can get back! What do you really want? Either way, I hope you make peace with your genuine self!

[@johnyklismann]

Kathy Myers thanks ! I will really try to get back . I know that it’s not possible for me living with out dancing .

[@mathildewesendonck7225]

johny klismann get well soon!! How are you now?

[@frankG335]

I'm so sorry! You WILL find your next great thing. Don't give up on life! Dance isn't the only meaningful life for you!

[@DocRockIt]

Thanks for the great content, very moving and inspiring.

[@hiloSF]

utterly, utterly beautiful.... 🌹

[@cherrywaffle2267]

Im in Love with this movie. Much appreciate for those Ballerina ✨💖

[@allieren]

The cinematography in this documentary... simply wonderful.

[@thatahamoment497]

Wooow, just beautiful!

[@dancesational1507]

Artists don't get the respect they deserve ....

[@carojames6776]

.....because art is not always respected.

[@dancesational1507]

@@carojames6776 true ...but being an artist myself I realise..the time,dedication and effort putted in to achieve the best of yourselves...and going through all the pain, sufferings, pressure and in the end what you get is, not at all equal to your expectations...

[@ZoeF.O]

@@dancesational1507 Not true! Maybe you should be thankful for what you have, and /or lower your expectations. You are not speaking like a real artist, your mindset is hypocritical and not a slightly modest.

[@beagledog2001]

And yet, she allowed a film to be made about her, so she must have some large amount of courage and self confidence1

[@beagledog2001]

@Diamond Girl right, just an admiring remark on my part. Title says, "pain, exhaustion, and loneliness", I was saying that in spite of all that, she has courage and self confidence. Which I admire. Nothing to scratch your head over, :)

[@SaraRodriguez-mn9js]

Beautiful film

[@taffyholvenstot8297]

Very nicely done film.

[@kivalily]

when she was talking about feeling swollen wearing 5 layers i felt that

[@aliceswanderland]

I don't see why you assume she's lonely, she doesn't look so. She has got friends in the company, she looks very close to her family...she's just travelled a lot for her education and sort of restarted life in several different cities, like many young people nowadays, not just dancers. I feel the director searched for cheap drama where there was none. She got injured, but it happens to a lot of performers, she recovered and she's still dancing with Staatsballet Berlin as a soloist. Deceiving film.

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

She seems more isolated or disconnected. That sometimes makes people feel lonely.

[@ehcsk]

This strange and lonely feeling come up when you spend long time far away from your home, speaking and dreaming different languages. It's hard to describe it, but I totally understand her soul and mind.

[@beagledog2001]

WAAAAY too many ads, but beautiful dancer and so talented.

[@wocomoCULTURE]

We apologize, there was a technical error of KZbin that caused the ads. We reduced them.

[@carolinegoss856]

She’s too alone. Walking late at night on city streets always by herself. Sad.

[@christinegerard4974]

Very impressive !

[@melaninkind8783]

Can someone please tell me the name of this wonderful music which begins from 29:12 to 30:50 ?

[@IwillBeNa]

This is a false information. Listen to Nikolai Tsiskaridze intreview. He was a great ballet dancer. And he laughs at such films about ..."pain, suffering of ballet dancers".This is the thing they want to show to create an image of tragedy and beauty of art. But it is not the essence of ballet. It is all purposefully exaggerated.

[@BoglimWrangler666]

i partially agree, the physical aspect is not nearly as physically painful as films like this depict besides an ill fitting pair of pointe shoes, or a severe injury.. however the emotional downsides subtly shown here i find accurate.

[@IwillBeNa]

@@BoglimWrangler666 Tsiskeridze says that is is imotional side what is also wrong. Do you speak russian to watch his intreview?

[@28peruvian]

For most ballet dancers, the art of ballet is in their blood. From early age they dream about becoming a professional ballet dancer, and can not imagine doing anything else in life because in essence it is who you are. Like any other form of artistry; it requires constant practice , and sometimes sacrifice in order to achieve perfection.

[@l.alexandra5871]

Yes! Nikolai is one of the greatest geniuses period. The truth is the standard at the Vaganova Academy is even higher than this a Warsaw Academy. As a retired professional ballerina I can promise you, one is driven by an internal desire. It’s incredibly difficult and takes total dedication. But if you have a special gift: the alchemy of technical prowess, a real musicality, an instinct and an understanding of basic physics and how much sense each basic step makes, the struggle is not the same. Sadly many dancers put in all the hard work and effort but they simply cannot achieve a certain standard. Artistry and musicality cannot be taught. Even if you learn by rote each and every step you may not achieve the level of a dancer who truly stands out. And that’s when the tragic consequences and misery set in. She’s quite good but she’s not brilliant. She wants it so much but something is missing unless her training is truly not finished.

[@l.alexandra5871]

@@IwillBeNa Tsiskeridze gives many interviews and often enough they are translated. He is a genius who also believes dancing in a vacuum without a world of books, knowledge, art, history, and music is a necessity.

[@xxabsxx31]

Would love to know how weronika is doing now. Wonderful film xx

[@aliceswanderland]

she's still dancing with Staatsballet Berlin as a soloist

[@Sarahr98998]

I wish there was more substance to this film. I don't feel that we ever really got to know the subject, even after 5 years. The imagery is beautiful, but it's lacking in depth and context.

[@carolthomas8528]

Sarahr98998 Too much intrusion into this girl’s life would be would be wrong and typical of so much journalism - she should remain somewhat an enigma .

[@lsjt8924]

@@carolthomas8528 totally agree, I like the mystery

[@s0natagrl]

I got bored.

[@itsjiminsnonexistentjams1221]

When she looked at the studio her life seemed sucked out of her as if she was completely empty...

[@eg8427]

Elisa Carrillo!!!! Mexican dancer, like me 🙂❤️

[@eb4256]

This film felt like propaganda to show the dark underbelly of the world of ballet (similar to Flesh & Bones) . The main character is an odd character who isolated herself- no thanks to her teachers in her early years of training. But, like in all aspects of life, you can build friendships within the micro-culture you live. From my ballet days, I have lasting friendships from long ago. Those days bring me happy memories. You don’t need to be somber as the main character.

[@cheers2023]

I'm wondering if she isolated herself because she is constantly competing with her peers. She may not want to be too close to people emotionally. I agree some of it is self-inflicted and maybe she was depressed. I do believe the life of a ballerina is pretty tough on the mind, body, and soul. It's an art and they want to perfect their art, but there are only a few spots at the top and they aren't easily won!

[@eb4256]

Bella B IMO, artists should not close themselves off from the rest of the human race. It’s the interactions with others that give us perspective, that help us develop empathy. Otherwise, the dancer, in this case, is a robot- merely executing steps. Watch interviews of professional ballet dancers- they’re human! They typically open themselves to life in order so they can actually inhibit a character. It’s true, as you say: there a limited employment spots in ballet companies; however, dancers are much more concerned with improving themselves- not competing against others. “Dance Moms” and dance competitions have given a false impression of dance life. Even Intl ballet competitions aren’t as backstabbing as ppl think they are. Ballet is more about self-improvement.

[@eb4256]

Start at about 20:00 Sarah Lamb speaking about the mindset of a ballet dancer.

[@kdub10009]

Same here. I’m so sick of this hackneyed presentation of the ballet world; it doesn’t correlate with the lived experience of most professional dancers.

[@beagledog2001]

well said, I agree

[@beagledog2001]

You don't have to be a professional ballet dancer to have exhaustion, pain and loneliness

[@Michelle-pn9xt]

No kidding, but the video is about her life.

[@beagledog2001]

@@Michelle-pn9xt True! But I was merely making a general observation.

[@mathildewesendonck7225]

True. But a film about the loneliness, pain and exhaustion of some random office worker would be quite boring.

[@tiffcat1100]

@@mathildewesendonck7225😂

[@Catsmeow90]

The girl looked very unhappy! Like she didnt want to be there.

[@jlkmedia1542]

Does anyone know the piano piece at the start of the end credits please?

[@yacovlevi]

Does anyone know the piano price though the end credits please?

[@RockyAbduljabar]

She speaks English, and Dutch beside her Polish.

[@Ellatigojusticiero]

She may have fibromyalgia, may be a diagnostic to consider. She looks to me kind of depressive.

[@mathildewesendonck7225]

What on earth makes you think that she has fibromyalgia?? She does ballet the whole day, everyone who has ever been to a ballet class knows what pain is 😅 I doubt that someone with a severe depression can do this job very long

[@JustAThought155]

Sorry for this comment. The opening scene with the horses ruined it for me. This same race continues to destroy every form of life for their own selfish enjoyment and sport; everything is used to excess. And this is defined as civilized?

[@julijepp]

I think they sought to compare dancing ones own body into disrepair with race horses who are also pushed beyond natural limits.

[@anthonylemza6160]

Lovely documentary! Anyone know the music used at 52:04???? Cheers!

[@ruchakitry]

Qual o nome da última música, por favor!

[@cool_beans]

Kitry Rucha basta cállate ahora déjame dormir

[@ruchakitry]

@@cool_beans obrigada! A música é linda!!

[@2degucitas]

I can see why top tier star dancers sometimes indulge in food, drink, drugs, nightlife and sex. There has to be some reward and down time from all that punishing hard work.

[@irinasonkina5168]

Тяжеловато и напряжённо.

[@lepolhart3242]

I felt very sorry for the ballerina when she injured her knee but it most be very common in the ballet world especially as its such a demanding art form. They seem to be very tough and resilient as they will have alot of obstacles to overcome.

[@ananda_miaoyin]

Who would not want to be able to move like that? Turns on a wobble board!! This is the highest form of hatha yoga right here.

[@user-np6wq1tx9c]

I wish the subtitles were more accurate. There are 2 sets and neither seem to be fully accurate to what is being said.

[@ZoeF.O]

Than try to listen 🙄

[@CatsInHats-S.CrouchingTiger]

Women should be trained at any job about these dangers of unprofessionalism. Period! Don’t blur the lines....

[@MsLadyisatramp]

she is not top tier. she needs better teachers

[@tangomz7070]

They picked all the wrong variations for her too.

[@kristieroybal4888]

I've tolerated this until half-way through - waiting fur it to be substantive, and it's just artsy fartsy filmography. I'm out.

[@ZoeF.O]

👋

[@КоляВасин-р3я]

And besides the Poles, does anyone else know about the famous Warsaw Ballet School? The girl has a very low level of training and dances very casually . Berlin Ballet is a ballet dump

[@mathildewesendonck7225]

Коля Васин what do you mean? I don‘t understand your point

[@lauraswihart8018]

I'm half Polish & love ballet ! I'm American & amazed by ballet!🎀

[@gretahassock8914]

Ballet is truely an art to get to the top one has to love it have talent tecnique feel the part and be attractive though there are some plain ballerinas most are attractive

[@wishingforadventure]

I bet she's worlds better than you though.

[@absolutetruthgirl]

you are russian, no? I agree with your point...her 32 fouettes were sloppy and off the beat. then her dance coaches tell her she is the best from the school. hmmmm. Russian training still is the best in the world. American training sloppy at best, U.K. okay but cold and the Asians are very technically good, but lack fire.

[@Ellatigojusticiero]

She is not that perfect by the way.

[@frankG335]

And you are?

[@mathildewesendonck7225]

So what? She’s a soloist at Berliner Staatsballett now, a major company. Her colleagues are Polina Semionova, Daniil Simkin, Iana Salenko and many other great dancers. Not too bad!!

[@alazjaw.8968]

she is.

[@tiffcat1100]

No one was expecting perfection over a very human girl. I loved her unexpected smiles and hugs with her coaches