Balletomane - My directing debut

I’m thrilled to share that for my graduation project, I had the incredible opportunity to direct my own short-film for the very first time!

My Project titled “Balletomane” is a very personal story, merging my two lifelong passions: Filmmaking and Dance.

Before I ever stepped onto a film set, I was a ballet dancer. Dance has always been a lifelong passion of mine, even if it’s remained more of a personal pursuit than a professional one.

Ballet has taught me patience, resilience, and how to tell stories using my body. Although it has shaped me into who I am today, it came with unexpected hardships that also delve into the more complex nature of Ballet itself.

About

Balletomane is more than just a dance film. It is a psychological drama that explores the competitive drive within us humans and the emotional cost of constantly chasing perfection. Based on my own experiences, personal reflections, and stories I've witnessed or been told, this film seeks to shed light on the darker side of Ballet and the toxic environment it can create.

Additionally, the film explores the concept of limerence. An overwhelming emotion that takes hold when you're obsessively infatuated with someone, whether it is sparked by their talent, their presence, or simply how they make you feel.

Exploring the Themes within "Balletomane"

Identity

What happens if your identity is only based on the way you want people to perceive you? Can you ever reclaim your authenticity back, or will it always be a performance? This is mirroring Ballet, where you momentarily become someone else.

Internalised Misogyny & Female Rivalry

Beyond the world of ballet, this story also serves as a broader commentary on how women in today’s society are constantly pitted against one another. Whether through ever-evolving beauty standards, sexism, or the pressure to undergo cosmetic procedures, it all stems from a deep-rooted patriarchal issue.

Commitment

This story explores commitment in many different terms, love being one of them.

How far can someone's commitment go, even when they are aware that it comes at the cost of others? & Is it justified in the name of passion?

Perfection

Ballet embodies the relentless pursuit to achieve perfection and the sacrifices it demands.

This story examines it from the lens of someone striving to attain perfection, after recognising their own wasted potential.

Reflection

We filmed the project over four consecutive shooting days, which gave me the opportunity to capture all the scenes I had envisioned in my script. The shoot ran smoothly, and most importantly, I was glad that everyone had a positive experience on set. It was wonderful to collaborate with people I had never worked with before, and I found it fascinating to see the characters I had written months earlier come to life so vividly in front of the camera.

A huge Thank You

This project wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible team who supported me every step of the way. A huge thank you to the amazing cast and crew for trusting me with my vision and bringing this story to life.

This experience has been such a valuable learning curve. It also made me realize that, beyond producing, I truly enjoy having creative input in my projects as well. I’m so grateful I was able to merge my two lifelong passions , dance and filmmaking into this wonderful film project. 

Here are some of my favorite stills and BTS photographs from the shoot!
Swipe through for a little peek behind the scenes.

With Love,

Eva