Ballet Boys

Kenneth Elvebakk's engaging documentary profiles three boys, all sons of middle-class Norwegian parents, who pursue an education in dance. Teens Lukas, Syvert, and Torgeir become fast friends after developing a passion for ballet that sets them apart from their peers—they are the only males in their dance classes. Elvebakk's camera follows them over several years, offering glimpses of their home lives and clips of them practicing routines and preparing for competitions. Along the way, the film also points to their differences, both in terms of physique (Lukas is gangly, Torgeir burlier, and Syvert—an Asian-Norwegian—complains that his appearance makes it hard to get dates) and personality. Lukas is the most serious and intense of the trio, while Torgeir and Syvert harbor doubts about aiming for a professional career in dance (Syvert even abandons ballet for a time to concentrate on schoolwork). The film culminates with high school graduation, auditions for the Oslo Academy of the Arts, and an offer for one to attend London's Royal Ballet School. Ballet Boys is an affectionate portrait of the trials and triumphs of three likable teens who love dance. DVD extras include bonus shorts. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)