Corps Stories | Ep. 1 | city.ballet

It's sink or swim for the Corps De Ballet as they struggle for recognition to rise through the ranks.
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About 'city.ballet': Enter the competitive world of ballet through the eyes of exec producer, Sarah Jessica Parker. The returning docudrama reveals what it takes to perform on the ultimate stage, the New York City Ballet
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[@dancerluver195]

I went to school with Unity. I remember in one of the musicals in middle school they specifically had her come out and do fouette turns in the routine because she was just such a good dancer.

[@happycommuter3523]

Congrats to Unity Phelan, now a principal dancer!

[@nerdydancer1354]

"I haven't been given any roles that have allowed me to express myself fully" With dance you have to be able to express yourself in everything in everyway possible. You have to treat every performance as if its your last.

[@isabellapagani2223]

He wants to show people who he really is... it’s pretty clear he’s a brat sooo

[@weshinelikeeternalsanshine688]

I think jester is a pretty pretty good role to do he should've been grateful for that

[@t.w.8174]

i can actually relate to a lot of what Harrison had to say. when you sift past the arrogance, what he articulates is actually very relatable to anyone striving for a goal

[@speedstackinggurl]

And just recently they were both promoted to soloists. Unity was right, everything does come with time.

[@senemyurdakul3115]

Unity is now a principal!

[@d5486]

@@senemyurdakul3115 she is amazing.

[@eurekamreum5458]

They're both principals now!

[@huum4430]

@@eurekamreum5458 wow... this really inspires...

[@cindyfletcher9351]

I was thinking "Damn this Harrison guy seems kinda stuck-up and entitled" and then I scrolled down and clearly you all had the same thought lol. Unity is so pretty and sweet though, honestly. And an amazing dancer with so much enthusiasm. He should take a note out of her book.

[@kerissetitire7280]

OMG, i have to say that i am in love with ballet and great news, I JUST GOT PICK TO GO ON POINTE! Now i am sooooooooo happy

[@pjbottoms8095]

Unity and Harrison were both promoted to soloists last year. Unity has done performed numerous roles. She still worked very hard. Harrison was a star at the SAB and acts so entitled or maybe burnt out here.

[@WoodlandDance]

Unity Phelan promoted to Principal in 2021. Harrison Ball promoted to Principal in 2022 - retired in 2023 as a result of painful physical issues, related to the extreme demands of ballet, and possibly worsened by years of substance use disorder.

[@JavaDebo]

Am I the only one who doesn't have a problem with Harrison? I completely understand where he's coming from.

[@SimplyyLizzie]

I saw this episode when it was released and just recently saw a series on the students of SAB and Harrison, a student at the time, was interviewed. The teachers were praising him, his technique, and how classical he is. I see where he got this attitude/arrogance from. He is now a soloist in the company. Hopefully he has learned to be humble.

[@wildoceanappaloosawomangay2535]

Complete absorption and discipline Not many can do this Very rare few 💪

[@davidlujan4645]

I hope that in 4 years these two grew up ........ having taken classes at SAB in the early 80’s .....I learned a lot , many friends in city ballet and continued my career in musical theater.....🤔

[@camgaa]

He got the jester in swan lake and he’s frustrated, gets goose bumps when he thinks about how hard he works, which is something that he does in his free time, jeez if he complains so much why does he still dance, seems like he hates it

[@laminage]

He's not as "Disciplined" as he thinks he is. If you are always running around at the last minute, that's a bad thing, you show people you're not trustworthy and reliable and that's a very bad thing to do. Also, he looks like someone who can't take constructive criticism and he looks like someone who can't learn the Steps like the others.

[@Hugo-mh1pe]

I know this is an old comment but I still find it relevant to reply to: people have very different mental attributes and discipline is not about how well you can mantain a schedule or how fast you can learn steps. One's mental composition is what it is and to assume someone is stuck up or lazy because of things beyond their control is very unkind. I can see where you're coming from but it simply isn't true. Just because remembering things and keeping multiple tasks in your head at once is easy for you, or at least doable with concentration, that doesn't mean it is for everyone. He very clearly said he has trouble focusing at times and that is not something he can just turn on or off. Being rude or willfully disorganized is a completely different thing, and truth is that no one is actually "lazy". There's always a reason why people struggle with certain tasks, how they approach that and balance it out is what matters.

[@eurekamreum5458]

He was promoted to principal a couple months ago.

[@tianarushby8922]

I love ballet. In my opinion it is the best style of dance :)

[@MaestraWashu]

Harrison Ball is a beautiful dancer, but his entitled attitude really puts me off. It seems like going from a star student at SAB to the back of the corps really hit him hard, and he hasn't gotten over it yet. If you want to be taken seriously and given more prestigious roles, then show some humility and responsibility, dude.

[@dancer2189]

MaestraWashu you're so right

[@SimplyyLizzie]

I saw this episode when it was released and just recently saw a series on the students of SAB and Harrison, a student at the time, was interviewed. The teachers were praising him, his technique, and how classical he is. I see where he got this attitude/arrogance from.

[@juliestrickland2145]

Right? "The normal 21 year old doesn't have to be at work at 10:30 every morning". Nope that's true, most have to be there at 8 bro.

[@Czadzikable]

To me, he doesn't come across as arrogant or entitled at all - *unlike* everyone here who, based on an 8 min video and from the comfort of their keyboards, is being so harsh and quick to judge this lonely but hopeful young guy, who's clearly working really hard in a high pressure and high stakes environment, to achieve his dreams. He's driven and has dreams and ambition to become a principal - *just like every other* aspiring to professional or corps dancer!!! And he is talented, yet he's so self-critical and hard on himself. *It is also very clear he has ADHD!* (he has very typical ADHD traits, behaviours and issues), so he has to work twice as hard to stay disciplined or even just make it to class on time! He said he loves dancing, but struggles with focus, so he knows he needs to work harder and be more disciplined. He said how he loves dancing so much and was so honoured to get the award, but feels the pressure - and probably crumbles a bit under it. Being disciplined (and on time!) and focused under pressure is so VERY difficult for someone with ADHD! Especially when living alone and without much of a support network - which seems very much the case for him. It's all of you keyboard judgement dispensers who are being arrogant and uncompassionate. Go and work hard on your dreams - instead of arrogantly passing harsh judgement on some youngster working hard to achieve his goals and dreams, whilst being human and, despite being talented, also struggling - alone, with no support, and in a very demanding career and pressurised environment - yet, despite this, despite the non-stop grueling work-out rehearsal schedules and despite clearly apparent struggles with his neurodevelopmental condition (ADHD), he sticks at it and keeps going because he loves ballet and wants to overcome his shortcomings and become a great dancer - there's *absolutely nothing* self-entitled about it!

[@Czadzikable]

@@juliestrickland2145 - he was probably thinking of university students - which is possibly what most of his friends are doing or he's just going by the student stereotype because he's a bit cut off from typical modern life - as he's devoted his life to ballet and doesn't even seem to watch TV or - as he said - know many people his age, as he's spent most of his life training ballet! And bare in mind that professional dancers work until late, as they perform in shows *in the evening!* They finish late - possibly even 10:30pm and don't really get much time to themselves - so for them class at 10:30am is early - because they're working their asses off (literally...) for the whole day AND performing late into the evenings!

[@durukarali8170]

Unity is a soloist right now💓

[@lburgess63]

I completely love that cat. That is the world's coolest, happiest, most trusting cat. I really love cats, and they seem to return the favor. Still, every cat I've been lucky enough to share my life with -- I sense would happily swim across the English Channel, instead of having me hold her on her back and snuggle!

[@takeiteazz]

I'm so happy this is back! This series is the best!

[@senemyurdakul3115]

so great to watch this after unity promoted to principal

[@kierafinneke5828]

Thank you so much for continuing this!!! I'm super excited!!! :3

[@aoloriginals]

Kiera O'Elle Thank you so much for watching!

[@nicki446]

Harrison just seems a little entitled to me... I understand that the life of a dancer is crazy and the hours are long, but I'm the same age as him and get to an unpaid internship by 7am every morning. I would give my right arm to be able to get to work by 10:30.

[@Momo-cv1oj]

but he ends his journey a 10h30 pm !!!!!!!!!

[@Xeniaphoses]

Do you even have the slightest idea how physically demanding such an artform is? Plus, he doesn't live at home. He basically gets paid just enough to pay his bills, you saw his apartment, too - rundown and cheap. It's EXTREMELY demanding and he's not at all entitled. He worked his butt off and continues to constantly, getting off at 10 pm every day except sundays.

[@Angel-xe2tl]

He works 12 hours a day though. Sometimes more. Would you really want to work 12 hours a day??

[@woonawoona]

the dude is a total prick. i love it all

[@brendaannedufaur6244]

Peter Martins' grandiose tone is offputting, and he treated Suzanne Farrell so badly and she should have been a huge part in leading N.Y.C.B. as soon as Balanchine died, not just having an egotistical Peter Martin's monopoly. Suzanne Farrell has no ego, just a pure soul and would have been great for N.Y.C.B. in every way. Men can be so cutthroat. Martins also tried to hurt dancers' careers who have spoken out against him, which is reprehensible behavior. But the clip is a great program and hearing the dancers talk and seeing them dance is incredibly wonderful. All these great striving people and beautiful dancers. It's great that you are unique Harrison.

[@virginiapearson6518]

I mean, women can be cutthroat too, but I see where you're coming from.

[@TheIsreal0312]

Glad Peter Martin's numerous scandals finally came to light. Of course he will deny it until his dying day. If it was just 1 or 2 people you could think they were just bitter about something. But a lot of people that worked with or knew Peter Martins said the same things.

[@katieblack8530]

I love this series! It is so inspirational!

[@tsipporah7377]

Unity was just promoted to principal dancer!

[@yogallurelife5938]

Unity is now a Principal dancer!

[@angelgirl8533]

Harrison Ball is probably one of the most handsome men I've ever seen. Hopefully he gets to the level he wants. What makes me happy about this episode is how much wonderful young talent there is in the corp to rely upon. Seeing ballet appreciated by young dancers makes me happy in general because when I was young I was the only girl in elementary school who took ballet lessons and up until this day, even though I stopped dancing myself, I admire and feel inspired by other young dancers who actually pursued this career. Without high hopes and dreams you cannot work as hard as you need to. It's wonderful to notice the love and ambitions these youngsters have.

[@vkick92]

♥ Excited for more!

[@aoloriginals]

vkick92 Thanks for watching! New episodes every Tuesday :)

[@ivoryrose5048]

the guy doesn't seem to appreciate,being in the new York city balletall he cares about is being a principle, but it dosent seem like hes working hard for it

[@darienamber8343]

Is this kid serious? "A normal 21 year old doesnt have to be at work every day at 10 30" ?! No, many 21 years old have to be at work already at 7 or 6. Seriously kid, you need to get out more. Or at least watch news.

[@TheVestini]

I think Unity comes across as far more genuine and grateful for all she has achieved. Being cast in AGON is a huge deal-and she should be so proud of herself. Unfortunately Harrison has an air of self entitlement about him. The attitude seems to be "I have given up A LOT (like wifi etc) to be here-and as a result I DESERVE TO BE MADE A Principal dancer one day(and one day SOON). A little more humility would stand him in good stead-even if it was only for the cameras. Can he SEE what others SEE about HIM when he reviews this INTERVIEW??

[@TheDanceAttitude]

I think he was referring to the intensity of the physical and mental work as a 21 year old and getting up at 10:30 after a long performance the night before is rough.

[@ravleen678]

I think his ego is so enlarged because at SAB he was the star student and now in the company he's in the back of the ballets and isn't so much focused on

[@darienamber8343]

Ravleen Ahuja Oh? Do you know him?

[@darienamber8343]

TheDanceAttitude Not as nearly as rough as getting up at 5 after equally physically demanding manuel work in factories.

[@betsymayo5822]

the difference in their attitudes is shocking. he's so entitled, and she is so grateful.

[@gretahassock8914]

I did not expect this company to be so good

[@annstegmayer4316]

Love ballet , I enjoyed this, I though he is Nice , a serious young man which is needed for Ballet. It is important to grow and condition one’s Humurous Muscle so to have a good laugh every day, let’s out the STRESS and releases the feel good hormone. Thank God for this blessing . Study what you find is funny 10 minutes a day , me half hour comedy tv show

[@sallyimber5079]

Unity seems very sweet and humble (and clearly very talented), but WOW, so many tall poppies here cutting down Harrison! Ugh!

[@ariannammason]

All of the worst things about humanity are magnified in cities like New York. Sad to watch the “teachers” destroy the lives of their students - and when they know better - continue perpetuating the worst parts of what they misunderstand about what life is actually for.

[@richardvergara]

And now Unity is a principal. Mazal tov!!!

[@Tenvellia]

I hope another series like this comes out. I just got into this and am hooked! This series is great!!!

[@nlawrence321]

I love Peter Martins, Jean-Pierre Frohlich, Unity Phelan, Harrison Ball, and Kathleen Tracey.

[@bobby24love]

Wow!

[@TheIsreal0312]

Peter Martin's numerous scandals finally came to light. Of course he will deny it until his dying day. If just 1 or 2 people come forward you could think they were just bitter about something. But a lot of people that worked with or knew Peter Martins said the same things.

[@abdulghani8269]

Thank you

[@TheHipHopDanceConservatory]

Beautifully done! Bravo!

[@Veggieblondie]

Harrison’s ego and just attitude is honestly astonishing. He thinks he’s special and interesting, he’s really not.

[@amandafelkerrmt4656]

make more episodes!!!!

[@BonnieThurberLovesLife]

this is good...

[@shaquoawhite4168]

I have always wondered this: why do the girls wear their tights over the leos?

[@hbro670]

More comfortable,easier,maybe more flattering.

[@Aelske]

easier to go to the toliet, and easier to change into something warmer.

[@MossyBallerina]

It's just a nice change. Since you're wearing a leotard and tights all day every day, it can get boring to wear it exactly the same way every time. Putting the tights over the leotard creates some variety. Also, I don't know about other people, but I think I look better when I wear my tights over my leotard.

[@luckyluke4712]

Aelske How is it easier to go to toilet? You still have to take off one and unbutton the other, just in different order.

[@luckyluke4712]

Katherine Eaton when you go to toilet you have to unbutton the bodysuit between legs?

[@espic3128]

my cat looks exactly the same!! :P

[@Ajbeingnayl]

I know its weird question, but why all the dancers wear the tights over their leotards ?:D

[@alexandracole9133]

+Ajbeingnayl So they can change quicker and go to the bathroom and put on another outfit if they begin to rehearse another ballet. Since they're no longer in ballet school they can really wear whatever they want...

[@Cantetinza17]

Foam rolling! Oh how I love my foam roller.

[@syj8684]

I want to be in new york city ballet too!

[@annaliese9453]

Harrison Ball was in that ABT insider!

[@emmacurrens2748]

lol... the normal 21 year old doesn't have to be at work every day at 10:30. Bull shit. Not to get preachy, but I sacrificed the year I was 21 and showed up at my internship at 9am every day just to get a head start in the slim job market.

[@katli4806]

You do sound preachy and you are also missing the point. They have to use their body every day for hours on end up to like 10 hours a day and then they have performances, often many going on at the same time and these preformances could last like 5 hours at a time. Adding onto that, ballet is extremely strenuous on the body with the jumps and the pressure on your body and bones. So yes you do sound preachy and you are missing the point because it's not the time that he's talking about. Its the fact that he has to use his body all day every day for what he does, tearing his body down every day

[@noblesetsentimentales]

Kathy Li Yes, but dancing professionally also implies artistic reward/fulfilment. They aren't exactly slaving as coal miners.

[@karennorris5305]

Performances don't last 5 hours! 3 tops, most are two to two and a half.

[@clo999]

I’ve left my house at 5:30 AM and gotten home at 11:30 PM for work so that’s ridiculous. I’ve had to build a booth, drag in boxes with hundreds of info packets, on my feet all day. I wish I could go to a studio at 10:30 and dance.

[@morganpoland3245]

Yay! Love this!

[@queerchoreography54]

Where are the black and Hispanic dancers? I love NYCB and Balanchine’s choreography, but this preference for blonde blue-eyed dancers? All these Caucasian dancers together is a stew with few flavors.

[@noblesetsentimentales]

At least NYCB had two black members at a time when no other company in North America would employ them, from the 50s to the 70s. But yes, there should be more. That's why one of them, Arthur Mitchell, had to found the Dance Theatre of Harlem. Sad but true. As for Hispanic dancers, there's actually quite a few of them in American companies. I suppose ADs think they are better at "blending in" that black dancers...

[@Defosaur]

i actually pity him, not in a "motherly" way. he is so separated from reality. its almost disgusting.

[@alyssawarrington4923]

These girls are SO beautiful in tights..

[@mcaskey358]

Yeah, normal 21 year olds aren't going to work at 10am, working their bodies, and remembering 35 ballets at a time. They're going to work at 6am, working their bodies and being forced to stand for hours behind a register, making minimum wage, no benefits, being treated like absolute shit, worrying constantly about making rent, while watching all their hopes and dreams die, as they drag themselves through this soul sucking, dead end job, because they have no choice. It really bothers me when people who have been given the RARE opportunity to fully follow their dreams, who've obviously had the support to follow those dreams, then whine about how hard it is following their dreams. You won the lotto man, be thankful!

[@luzmarinagil6564]

Esta. Serie Español porfavor

[@ballet901ami]

When will the next episode come???

[@aoloriginals]

ballet901ami New episodes will premiere every Tuesday :)

[@ballet901ami]

yayyyayaya

[@india239]

Normal 21 yo are in work by nine am. Ten thirty, don’t complain

[@annaliese9453]

and that megan girl that wont blow her nose ,but she has beautiful technique!

[@teddyrobertson7005]

Unity and Harrison are polar opposites

[@avawright2794]

the way Harrison talks and his attitude makes me feel like i’m watching a mockumentary he is so annoying

[@alicequint9919]

harrison pisses me off. There's phenomenal dancers that are older than him and still trying for an internship. His entitlement is irritating

[@iama8537]

HER VOICE! HER POOR VOICE CHORDS!

[@janaanamay6544]

Harrison does come across as arrogant and entitled but underneath seems to be a lot of fear of what the future will bring, he knows how much he has invested and gave up up to that point, that is why he is constantly talking about "other 21year olds", he is afraid at that moment that he has sacrificed so much only to maybe never get promoted from corps. It was probably a slap in the face coming from a school where you were a star only to see there are many others on your level or better. People who sound like this are usually quite insecure no matter the skill level they have. Plus he was young, perhaps feeling lonely and tired from long days and performances. It is definitely not a usual day at work for dancers even though it seems like they are priviledged. Takes a lot to earn that priviledge. I am happy they are both proncipals now and they have this video to look back at. Hope Harrison has dropped his wall of "arrogance" in the meantime.

[@UsernamesForDummies]

Harrison:”People say it’s like air to you, but to me, it’s like life” . That’s what it means, when people say ‘it’s like the air to me’, dummy! He really thinks he’s something special and incredibly deep. I find him utterly annoying and entitled. Can you imagine spending your days with that guy?

[@mranderson5668]

I wanted to see more of her in John wick!

[@r3kaburb]

you are so good i am a dancer a ballet dancer and i am on point

[@carolinepenin2393]

andy stay away from an another corp member !

[@enidjones270]

B

[@wolfbars7791]

нет деняг на танцы

[@JamesJoyce12]

Unity is in John Wick 3

[@irmaktuncbilek5910]

And not unity is a soloist

[@sopranosd]

What is it with women croaking instead of speaking? Take a breath and just talk in a normal voice!

[@cliles6764]

I just can't hear what she is saying because she isn't using her full speaking voice most of the time...she is gravel speaking or some people call it "fry speak" used by so many young people. It is very distracting in the same way that using up-speak is or overusing "Like".

[@elnora1469]

It sounds like Harrison has ADHD

[@paulettebilly5941]

Yea this little boy might never grow up...your a little boy in a mans body...show with your attitude first.

[@earl_gay]

'i dont see life as a normal 21 year old... i dont know many 21 year olds tbh' dude i'm 21 and due to the fact that i work nights and i have the social grace of a sea snail, saaaame. it doesnt make us special; it just makes us hard to invite to parties lol

[@JulieJulliette]

That guy is such a brat! He thinks he's better than all the rest... Wow, he really pisses me off

[@mouhibouadi1438]

احصل على ‏فيسبوك لـ Android‏ و تصفح بسرعة اكبر تسجيل الدخول إنشاء حساب جديد هل نسيت كلمة السر؟ · مركز المساعدة العربية · Français (France) · English (US) · المزيد… حقوق محفوظة‏©‏ لسنة‏2015‏ للفيس بوك

[@NotesOfLife444]

I don‘t think Harrison‘s got an arrogant attitude. He‘s just being honest and also shows the negatives sides of the job.

[@RuanGaldino]

AGREED!

[@est-fm9ui]

Harrison Ball would be the worst date. He'd probably only talk about himself.

[@Jaggerx33]

Harrison is soooo annoying my goodness. He's got such an elitist, holier-than-thou attitude and just overall seems very ungrateful.

[@laminage]

It happens. It's like leaving College and you're The Boss With The Hot Sauce and then you start out at The Bottom In The Mailroom, and you think you're too good to sort mail, make coffee, deliver mail, and the like. There are no small jobs just "small attitudes" towards jobs. If you start in The Mailroom and prove yourself, you will get to move up. They want to see if you can handle so called "Menial" Tasks before being delegated to more "Intense" Tasks.

[@uptownsunni3560]

Harrison strikes me as driven, and hard working, that's all. He seems hard on himself.

[@Czadzikable]

@@laminage , I'm sorry to say, but you sound much entitled to me than Harrison.. In real life, majority of people working in the bottom of the ladder jobs, doing menial tasks *never* get promoted, no matter how hard they try or how many years they spend proving themselves.

[@Czadzikable]

@@uptownsunni3560 , completely agree with you! I think he clearly works very hard and is hard on himself. It also very much seems like he has ADHD, so he probably has to work twice as hard to stay disciplined or even just make it to class on time!

[@marityngvesson8937]

Harrison and Unity are both principals now! 💜

[@icarrus4u]

Harrison Ball is a Principal now. Congrats.

[@antoniapark8553]

I remember when a documentary was made on SAB and Harrison was like... a faveorite

[@gabrieltheotonio8182]

AnnietheGirl 425206 me too!!

[@lburgess63]

I completely love that cat. That is the world's coolest, happiest, most trusting cat. I really love cats, and they seem to return the favor. Still, every cat I've been lucky enough to share my life with -- I sense would happily swim across the English Channel, instead of having me hold her on her back and snuggle!

[@nikolh7412]

I LOVE IT! I'm writing a story about ballet and that's so insipirating

[@nao----]

Unity Phelan is now a principal!