Center Stage (2000)

A group of 12 teenagers from various backgrounds enroll at the American Ballet Academy in New York to make it as ballet dancers and each one deals with the problems and stress of training and getting ahead in the world of dance.

Director:

Nicholas Hytner

Writer:

Carol Heikkinen

Stars:

Amanda Schull, Christine Dunham, Ethan Stiefel

1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Amanda Schull	...	Jody
Christine Dunham	...	Audition Teacher
Stephen Stout	...	Mr. Sawyer
Maryann Plunkett	...	Mrs. Sawyer
Laura Hicks	...	Nervous Mother
Barbara Caruso	...	ABA Scout
Jeff Hayenga	...	ABA Scout (as Jeffrey Hayenga)
Zoe Saldana	...	Eva (as Zoë Saldana)
Victor Anthony	...	Thomas
Karen Shallo	...	Mother at Audition
Carlo Alban	...	Eva's Friend
Giselle Daly	...	Eva's Friend
Ethan Stiefel	...	Cooper
Susan May Pratt	...	Maureen
Shakiem Evans	...	Erik (as Shakiem Evens)

Storyline

The education of three young students, Jodie, Eva and Maureen, as they study at the American Ballet Academy. Life isn't what they expected at the esteemed ABA, and all three face problems along the road. Jodie doesn't have the "ideal" body for dancing, Eva doesn't have the right attitude, and Maureen doesn't have the heart. Along the way, they learn that love can be found in unlikely places, and dancing should be a passion, not a duty.

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Plot Keywords:

ballet | dancer | dance | love | dancing | 

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Taglines:

Life doesn't hold tryouts.

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Genres:

Drama | Music

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for language and some sensuality

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 May 2000 (USA)

Also Known As:

City Ballet

Filming Locations:

Fordham University, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts - Columbus Avenue & 61st Street, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$18,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$4,604,621 (USA) (12 May 2000)

Gross:

ESP 14,363,416 (Spain) (29 June 2001)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures Corporation, Laurence Mark Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

115 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Of the main characters who are dancers, five are professional ballet dancers or have had ballet training (Amanda Schull, Zoe Saldana, Ethan Stiefel, Sascha Radetsky, Julie Kent), one is a professional figure skater (Ilia Kulik), and two were actors (Susan May Pratt and Shakiem Evans). Body doubles were used for many of the major dance sequences.

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Goofs

As Jody and Eva leave their room to smoke, the number on the door says 903C. When they run into Eric in the hall, he tells them to "come downstairs" to smoke. When the three arrive at his door, the number is 1103C.

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Quotes

Erik Jones: My stage name is Erik O. Jones after Oprah. She's my idol.
Eva Rodriguez: Eva Rodriquez, after no one.
Erik Jones: Oh, an individual.

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Connections

Featured in The Making of 'Center Stage' (2000)

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Soundtracks

"I Wanna Be With You"
Performed by Mandy Moore

User Reviews

Very fresh and great entertainment!

What can you say about a movie that not only makes you want to get up and dance yourself, but one that keeps you hanging on every dance step and word? Perhaps fabulous. While everyone was running off to see the spring Block Buster Gladiator, I was watching the sneak preview of Center Stage, along with 300 to 400 others. The chemistry between these first time movie actors was just amazing. That dancing was breathtaking and the plot was wonderful. It was full of surprises and excitement. Had to be my favorite movie in the last couple of years. There was barely any language and a bit of sex, but it was appropriate for the story line. This is a movie for everyone young and old. It is a must see in the theater, and I promise you it will get your heart pumping!