Maiko: Dancing Child

Filmmaker Åse Svenheim Drivenes's portrait of Maiko Nishino, the Japanese-born prima ballerina of the Norwegian National Ballet, is a curious work. The film offers a look at a woman in the prime of her career, albeit one who fears that her age is working against her: at 32, she moans how she is not “getting any younger,” which unfortunately resonates in a performance world where youth is valued. Adding to her uncertainty is the question of whether her professional value will drop after she learns that she is pregnant. Complicating matters is the relationship between the dancer and her parents, who made significant personal sacrifices so the young Maiko could study at London's Royal School of Ballet—a commitment that continues to fill Maiko with guilt. Her memories of her balletic education are not fond, as evident in a difficult scene when Maiko reads a poignant letter that she wrote home during this period. However, the film leaves maddening major gaps in Maiko's story—viewers have no clue how she wound up in Norway, of all places, nor do we learn anything about her husband Nico except for his name. And Maiko's vibrancy and charisma while in performance (seen here in brief dance segments) are somewhat absent when she is off the stage and going about her daily life. Ballet aficionados may enjoy this profile, but it is unlikely to appeal to a wider audience. Optional. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)