Tiny Dancer

About this movie

Scarlett, an aspiring dancer attending a Toronto theatre school, is quietly unraveling. On the day of her 18th birthday, the dance world's impossible standards and society's conflicting expectations are weighing her down, leaving her feeling isolated and unsure of her worth on this ceremonial day. The suffocating voices of her peers, teachers, social media, and even her family seem to constantly remind her in subtle ways that she isn't enough. After receiving a misguided gift from her mother, Scarlett experiences a bulimic episode, plunging her into a surreal encounter with a childlike version of herself - her innate self. In a vivid dream-ballet sequence, inspired by dance classics like A Chorus Line, Center Stage, All That Jazz, and Chicago, Scarlett is reminded how to move through life authentically with the guidance of her inner child, discovers the power of forgiveness, and begins on a journey home to herself. This film intends to portray eating disorders within the performing arts industries on camera in an honest, free of stigma, and non-romanticized light. It explores the microaggressions that can often contribute to the development of body dysmorphia and various eating disorders with great care. The piece aims to bring solace to survivors in the fact that they are not alone in a continuing journey to healing, while also displaying empathy towards all players in this narrative, as body image affects everybody.

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