Ballerina

Ballerina

Year: 2016

Runtime: 89 mins

Language: English

Directors: Eric Summer, Éric Warin

AdventureAnimationComedyFamily

In 1879 Paris, a determined young orphan leaves her rural Brittany home with the dream of becoming a ballerina. She travels to Paris and, through a clever deception, gains a place as a pupil at the prestigious Grand Opera house. There, she faces challenges and strives to realize her ambitions in the competitive world of ballet.

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Timeline & Setting – Ballerina (2016)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Ballerina (2016). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1880s

Set in the 1880s, a period of industrial growth and artistic vitality in France. The era is marked by grand projects and cultural ambition that shape the world Félicie enters. The social hierarchy of the time adds pressure for an orphan girl pursuing a prestigious dance career.

Location

Brittany, Paris

The story moves from rural Brittany, where Félicie first dreams of dancing, to the bustling streets and grand halls of Paris. Paris Opera becomes the central backdrop, a place of discipline and opportunity, while Brittany represents humble beginnings and the constraints Félicie seeks to escape.

🇫🇷 France 🗼 Paris

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 11:56

Main Characters – Ballerina (2016)

Meet the key characters of Ballerina (2016), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Félicie Milliner (Elle Fanning)

An aspiring ballerina who runs away from an orphanage to chase her dream in Paris. She is determined, resourceful, and willing to bend rules to learn, yet she grapples with honesty and the consequences of deception. Her passion for dance is her defining trait.

🌟 Dreamer 🩰 Dancer 🧭 Determined

Victor (Dane DeHaan)

A young inventor and Félicie's friend who harbors a crush on her. He navigates jealousy and protective loyalty as he works in Gustave Eiffel's workshop. His support and envy both shape Félicie's journey.

💡 Inventor ❤️ Friend 🧍‍♂️ Jealous

Camille Le Haut (Maddie Ziegler)

Regine Le Haut's daughter and a rival dancer who earns admission through her mother's influence. Camille embodies privilege, but her own talent is tested by Félicie's deception and rivalry.

🎀 Rival 🩰 Dancer 🕊️ Privilege

Odette (Carly Rae Jepsen)

A former prima ballerina who mentors Félicie and secretly keeps both the Opera and her own past afloat. She is caring, tough, and instrumental in guiding Félicie's path.

👩‍🎨 Mentor 🩰 Caregiver 🕯️ Resilience

Régine Le Haut (Kate McKinnon)

A wealthy and demanding figure who bankrolls the school and maintains control over the Opéra's social hierarchy. Her pursuit of status creates obstacles for Félicie and Camille.

🏛️ Authority 💼 Ambition 🗝️ Control

Merante (Terrence Scammell)

The exacting choreographer who pushes the class to its limits and ultimately recognizes Félicie's talent. His standards drive the competitive atmosphere of the school.

🎼 Choreography 🧭 Standards 🏅 Mentor

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 11:56

Major Themes – Ballerina (2016)

Explore the central themes of Ballerina (2016), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌟 Dreams

Félicie’s dream of becoming a ballerina drives the plot, pushing her to risk everything as she pursues training and performance. Her talent grows under pressure, showing that dedication can overcome obstacles—even when deception enters the picture. The Nutcracker audition crystallizes the tension between aspiration and reality.

🪞 Identity

Félicie’s choice to impersonate Camille forces a confrontation with who she is versus who she wishes to be. The lie strains trust with Odette, Victor, and Mérante, highlighting the moral costs of pursuing success. Camille’s own relationship to dance reveals the weight of family expectations and privilege.

💪 Resilience

Despite setbacks, Félicie persists, refining her technique and seizing moments of chance. Odette’s mentorship and Victor’s support sustain her through rivalries and fears. The story culminates in a performance that tests resilience as the path to achievement finally pays off.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 11:56

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Explore Movie Threads

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Inspiring artistic journey movies like Ballerina

Hopeful stories about determined young talents pursuing their creative dreams against the odds.If you loved the determined spirit and artistic pursuit in Ballerina, you'll enjoy these movies. They feature similar stories of young talents striving for their dreams in dance, music, or art, with a hopeful tone and steady pacing. Discover more uplifting and inspiring movies like Ballerina that celebrate ambition and friendship.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow a linear, straightforward path where a dedicated protagonist, often young, overcomes obstacles like rivalry or insecurity to achieve a creative milestone. The journey emphasizes resilience, the support of mentors, and the ultimate triumph of passion, resulting in a satisfying and happy conclusion.

Why These Movies?

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Charming orphan adventure movies similar to Ballerina

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves an orphan leaving a familiar but limited environment for a grand new setting, using their innate talent and quick thinking to navigate initial deception or challenges. The core journey is about proving their worth, forming key friendships, and discovering their true home, leading to a heartwarming resolution.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped by the specific archetype of the determined orphan protagonist, a family-friendly tone with medium intensity, and a blend of adventure and comedy. They share a similar emotional palette—light with touches of whimsy and inspiration—making them ideal for viewers seeking comforting and uplifting stories.

Unlock the Full Story of Ballerina

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Ballerina Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Ballerina, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Ballerina Summary

Ballerina Timeline

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Ballerina Timeline

Ballerina Spoiler-Free Summary

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Ballerina Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Ballerina

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