Closer Than Yesterday

A dancer in stage makeup, a golden tiara and a black feathered costume looks up. She stands in an elevator, and her reflection can be seen behind her. She holds her arms on the railings on the sides of the elevator.

Dive into the world of high stakes ballet competition in the documentary feature “Closer Than Yesterday,” which follows two young San Francisco Ballet dancers on their journey to the Helsinki International Ballet Competition.

“Closer Than Yesterday” follows two young San Francisco Ballet dancers behind the scenes as they compete on the world stage at the Helsinki International Ballet Competition. As they navigate setbacks and comebacks, they’re coached by former San Francisco Ballet Principal Dancer Tiit Helimets. Rigorous preparations and passionate commitment steel them for a journey of unexpected twists and turns. Intimate dialogue, studio rehearsals, and thrilling performances showcase their daily hard work and sacrifices alongside their anxieties, frustrations, exhaustion, and exhilaration in an environment where tensions run as high as their spirits.

Trailer:

Program Info

Available to stream October 21-November 3 as part of the Encore Online Festival on Marquee TV
$20 Streaming Pass
Director: Lisa Le Lievre
(United States, 2024) 81 minutes