Center Stage: On Pointe

In this third of the 'Center Stage' dance films, American Ballet Company (ABC) head Jonathan Reeves (Peter Gallagher), is having serious financial problems at the academy. Seeking to expand to expand its repertoire from ballet to add the more popular contemporary dance, Jonathan recruits his top three choreographers Tommy Anderson (Kenny Wormald), Charlie Sims (Sascha Radetsky), and Cooper Nielson (Ethan Stiefel) (all of whom are from the previous two 'Center Stage' films) start a competitive camp to recruit new dancers for ABC. Meanwhile, Bella Parker (Nicole Muñoz) has always been in the shadow of her sister Kate (Rachele Brooke Smith), a famous ballet dancer (introduced in the previous film). Bella changes her last name to Miller to avoid comparisons and, to her surprise, she is chosen for the camp. Bella has trouble fitting in, and the lead instructor, Lorenza (Sarah-Jane Redmond), a ballet snob, is brutally critical of Bella's dancing. When she is partnered with quiet Damon (Barton Cowperthwite), however, she gains confidence, as the two open up to each other. Rumors surface about one of the dancers, Allegra (Maude Green), and the dancers take sides. Bella strives to remain focused as the day of final audition arrives.—Larry B.