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‘The American’: US Ballerina Gets Into Russia’s Bolshoi

A true, underdog tale of an American dancer having the temerity to not only attempt getting into Russia’s exclusive Bolsoi Ballet, but going for the prima spot.
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‘The American’: US Ballerina Gets Into Russia’s Bolshoi
Joy Womack (Talia Ryder) rises above her underdog status, in "The American." Ingenious Media
Mark Jackson
Updated:
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NR | 1h 50m | Biopic, Drama, Dance | 2024

“The American” is a biopic based on the true story of American prima ballerina Joy Womack (which is why it was originally titled “Joika”), who has the rare distinction of being the first American ever accepted into the vaunted Russian Bolshoi Ballet Academy’s training pipeline.

Mark Jackson
Mark Jackson
Film Critic
Mark Jackson is the chief film critic for The Epoch Times. In addition to film, he enjoys martial arts, motorcycles, rock-climbing, qigong, and human rights activism. Jackson earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Williams College, followed by 20 years' experience as a New York professional actor. He narrated The Epoch Times audiobook "How the Specter of Communism is Ruling Our World," available on iTunes, Audible, and YouTube. Mark is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved film critic.
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