The Turning Point is a 1977 American drama film centered around the world of ballet. The film stars Shirley MacLaine and Anne Bancroft as two ballet dancers whose careers take dramatically different paths. As the two characters, Deedee and Emma, reach their “turning points” in their lives, the film follows them through their struggles and successes.
The Turning Point features some of the most iconic and memorable scenes in ballet history. From Deedee’s audition for American Ballet Theater to Emma’s Swan Lake performance, the movie captures both the beauty and struggles of the art form.
The Turning Point also offers an inside look into the world of professional ballet companies.
While no specific company is named in the movie, it is believed that The Turning Point was loosely based on American Ballet Theater (ABT). ABT is one of America’s most prestigious classical ballet companies and has been a leader in the field of dance since its founding in 1940.
American Ballet Theater has had a history of nurturing some of the world’s greatest dancers and choreographers, many of whom have gone on to become stars such as Mikhail Baryshnikov, Natalia Makarova, Gelsey Kirkland, Cynthia Gregory, Fernando Bujones, Kevin McKenzie and Susan Jaffe. The company has also produced some iconic ballets such as Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, Romeo and Juliet and Giselle.
Conclusion:
It can be said that The Turning Point was loosely based on American Ballet Theater (ABT), one of America’s most prestigious classical ballet companies with an illustrious history of nurturing some of the world’s greatest dancers and producing iconic ballets such as Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, Romeo and Juliet and Giselle.