✨ "Ballerina" (2016): A Dance of Dreams and Determination

What does it take to chase a dream? For 11-year-old Félicie, the answer is everything she’s got—and a little more.

Released in 2016, Ballerina (also known as Leap! in the U.S.) is a heartwarming French-Canadian animated film that continues to inspire children and adults alike. Directed by Éric Summer and Éric Warin, the movie blends graceful animation with a timeless story of perseverance, friendship, and believing in oneself.

🩰 Plot Summary

Set in 1880s France, Ballerina follows Félicie, a spirited orphan girl with an unshakable dream of becoming a dancer at the Paris Opera Ballet. With her best friend Victor, an aspiring inventor, she escapes the orphanage and runs away to Paris. Through courage, cleverness, and a bit of luck, she finds her way into the prestigious ballet school—by borrowing someone else’s identity.

There, she trains under the strict but kind-hearted Odette, a mysterious cleaning lady with a secret past. As Félicie competes for a role in The Nutcracker, she must learn discipline, overcome jealousy, and stay true to herself.

💫 What Makes It Special?

1. A Classic Underdog Tale:
At its heart, Ballerina is a story we've heard before—but it's told with charm and a fresh voice. Félicie isn't perfect. She makes mistakes. But her passion is infectious, making her an easy character to root for.

2. Stunning Animation:
From the sweeping rooftops of Paris to the intricate ballet performances, the animation is elegant and filled with rich detail. It captures the grace of dance and the magic of the era beautifully.

3. A Strong Message for Young Viewers:
The movie teaches kids that dreams don’t come true by wishing alone—they take grit, hard work, and resilience. It's an empowering message, especially for young girls who aspire to follow unconventional paths.

4. A Memorable Soundtrack:
Though set in the 19th century, the film uses a contemporary soundtrack (including artists like Sia and Demi Lovato) to energize its story. While some critics found it jarring, many viewers enjoyed the contrast—it makes the film feel current and emotionally charged.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Good for Kids?

Absolutely. Ballerina is rated PG and is generally safe for children 6 and up. It’s particularly great for kids interested in dance, art, or stories about overcoming the odds. There are a few tense moments and mild bullying, but nothing too intense.

⭐ Final Thoughts: 4 out of 5 Stars

Ballerina is an uplifting film with a big heart. It might not be groundbreaking in story, but it delivers a feel-good journey that dances its way into your soul. If you’re looking for a movie night that’s both inspiring and family-friendly, this one should be at the top of your list.

Have you seen Ballerina? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below! 👇

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✨ "Ballerina" (2016): A Dance of Dreams and Determination