Woman in the Mirror

World Premiere

Nestled in a small New England town is a powerhouse of a ballet school. Its genesis includes the dramatic story of a prima ballerina defecting from the Soviet Union and her tenuous climb to personal and artistic freedom. Alexandra Koltun, a graduate of the prestigious Vaganova Academy and a driven ballerina, is leading a diverse group of ballet students in their difficult journey to become professional dancers. She recounts the struggles of her father and family and fearing similar limitations as a Soviet Jew, and made a dangerous leap into what she hoped would be a new and freer life. Teaching ballet, she is shaping not only her students’ bodies, but also their characters, as she tries to instill in them the same strength that served her well throughout her life.

The special under the stars premiere event will feature the attendance of director Tatyana Bronstein, who will introduce the film and participate in a Q&A afterward.