The Unfinished Dance

The Unfinished Dance

Year: 1947

Runtime: 101 mins

Language: English

Director: Henry Koster

DramaMusic

Romance! Spectacle! Music! A young dance student accidentally cripples a teacher she doesn’t like.

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Timeline & Setting – The Unfinished Dance (1947)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Unfinished Dance (1947). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Ballet School, Ballet Company

The story unfolds around a professional ballet school and its accompanying company, with performances staged in rehearsal rooms, backstage areas, and a grand theater. Dancers train rigorously, compete for lead roles, and navigate the social dynamics of prestige within the ballet world. The setting emphasizes the blend of artistry and discipline central to classical ballet.

🩰 Ballet 🎭 Theater 🌟 Performing Arts

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:21

Main Characters – The Unfinished Dance (1947)

Meet the key characters of The Unfinished Dance (1947), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Meg Merlin (Margaret O'Brien)

An aspiring ballet student whose single-minded devotion to Ariane drives her to reckless mischief and strained loyalties. Her jealousy exposes a volatile mix of ambition and insecurity, leading to a pivotal accident that forces confession and growth.

😡 Envy 🎯 Ambition

Ariane Bouchet (Cyd Charisse)

The prima ballerina, talented yet self-absorbed and focused on her marriage plans, whose presence triggers rivalry and self-interest within the company. Her injury creates a turning point that tests loyalty and resilience among the dancers.

💫 Star

La Darina (Anna)

The renowned dancer La Darina, newly hired to the company, whose talent is met with Meg’s resentment. Her generous return to teaching after her injury demonstrates grace under pressure and an enduring commitment to the art.

✨ Grace

Josie

Meg’s best friend who feels left out when she is not chosen and initially accuses Meg, only to face manipulation and eventual reconciliation as trust is repaired.

🤝 Friendship 😟 Insecurity

Phyllis

A fellow student who resents Meg’s influence and becomes entangled in the rivalry, steering suspicion toward Meg and reacting to the shifting dynamics of the company.

🧠 Scheming

Mr Paneros (Danny Thomas)

The kindly clockmaker who acts as Meg’s temporary guardian; he offers wisdom, mediates conflicts, and reveals Meg’s role in the accident, guiding the path toward forgiveness and accountability.

🕰️ Mentor

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:21

Major Themes – The Unfinished Dance (1947)

Explore the central themes of The Unfinished Dance (1947), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🩰 Rivalry

Meg’s fixation on Ariane Bouchet sparks a tense competition within the company, driving reckless acts and strained loyalties. The arrival of a rival star shifts power dynamics and threatens established hierarchies. The theme explores how jealousy and ambition can endanger art and relationships, and how forgiveness can redeem a misstep.

🤝 Forgiveness

When the truth emerges, Anna forgives Meg, and Ariane’s response reflects humility and responsibility to the art. The narrative emphasizes mercy from mentors and senior dancers, allowing the young dancer to repair her path. Forgiveness helps restore trust and unity within the ensemble, enabling the show to go on.

🌟 Mentorship

Mr Paneros provides guidance and protection, guiding Meg toward accountability rather than punishment. Anna’s decision to return to teaching after her injury embodies the nurturing role of mentors in the arts. The film portrays growth through guidance, resilience, and dedication to craft.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:21

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The Unfinished Dance Summary

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The Unfinished Dance Summary

The Unfinished Dance Timeline

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The Unfinished Dance Timeline

More About The Unfinished Dance

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The Unfinished Dance (1947) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

The Unfinished Dance (1947) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

The Unfinished Dance (1947) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow