In the vibrant world of ballet where grace and discipline converge, a new show is poised to redefine what we think of this classical art. Titled “Étoile,” this Prime Video series comes from the creative minds behind “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” Amy Sherman-Palladino and Dan Palladino. The series explores whether ballet can not only hold its timeless beauty and mystery but also be perceived as cool. Set against the backdrop of New York and Paris, it tells the story of two ballet companies merging forces to remain relevant and draw audiences, amidst the intricacies of high-level dance.
At the heart of “Étoile” is an authentic portrayal of ballet’s physical demands, featuring real dancers from the ballet world. The cast includes rising talents and well-known figures, with keen viewers spotting several familiar faces from the New York City Ballet. This mixture of engaging narrative and stunning choreography is reminiscent of earlier Palladino works like “Bunheads,” yet with a unique flair akin to the stylized ambiance of “Emily in Paris,” minus the leg warmers.
For David Alvarez, who plays Gael, a dancer entangled in the drama of a high-stakes company swap, pulling off a ballet dancer’s finesse goes beyond mere acting skills. Known for his Tony-winning performance as Billy Elliot on Broadway and his role in Spielberg’s “West Side Story,” Alvarez emphatically notes, “Ballet is one of those things you can’t fake.” The authenticity captured extends to how these characters move and express, marking the difference between superficial dance portrayals and genuine ballet.
Meanwhile, Taïs Vinolo, debuting her acting chops while playing Mishi, a budding dancer, provides the perspective of a genuine dancer adapting to the demands of acting. Her insights echo the rigorous physical and mental aspects of ballet, challenging the public perception limited to tutus and pointe shoes. Under Sherman-Palladino’s direction, herself once a dedicated ballet trainee, the series aims to showcase the raw passion and discipline underpinning ballet as an athletic art form.
Navigating a dual-language setting brings its own array of challenges—quite literally in translation. With part of the dialogue in French, the show foregrounds the cultural nuances and communication barriers inherent in fusing two companies from different parts of the world. This duality presented hurdles, yet contributed richly to the narrative. Actors like Lou De Laâge, who knew little English initially, used the extended preparation time during the writers’ strike effectively, helping bridge language gaps.
For actors immersed in ballet’s demanding world, like Charlotte Gainsbourg who plays Geneviève and Jack Kirby who portrays Jack, the level of commitment and art’s purity is an eye-opener. Gainsbourg, who briefly studied ballet as a child, reflects on the practice as being driven by love for art, emphasizing that it’s about far more than financial gain.
Throughout the series, viewers get a closer look at the behind-the-scenes realities cherished by dancers. The precision in rituals like sewing ribbons onto pointe shoes highlights their personal attachment to aspects of their craft. Tiler Peck and Unity Phelan from the NYCB along with others maintain this authenticity by sharing their experiences and accessorizing their roles with personal idiosyncrasies familiar in ballet life.
Ultimately, “Étoile” approaches ballet with both a respect for its storied traditions and a fresh spirit that aims to captivate new audiences, making the art form not just appealing but, perhaps, even cool.