Black Swan

Mmm.

I had the craziest dream last night.

I was dancing the White Swan.

It was different choreography, though.

It was more like the Bolshoi's.

It was the prologue, when Rothbart casts his spell.

Look how pink! So pretty.

Pretty!

You're in a good mood.

Mmm-hmm. He promised to feature me more this season.

Well, he certainly should. You've been there long enough.

And you're the most dedicated dancer in the company.

Up.

What's that?

What? There.

Nothing.

Sure you don't want me to come with you?

You sweet girl.

This is a Downtown 1 train to South Ferry.

Next stop, 72nd Street.

Stand clear of the closing doors, please.

Did you see Beth today?

I can't believe she's back.

Of course she's back.

What, she can't take a hint?

Company is broke. No one comes to see her anymore.

Nobody actually comes to see ballet, full stop.

That's not true.

I heard The Royal had one of their best seasons yet.

He just needs to try something new, that's all.

No, someone new.

Like who?

Like someone who's not approaching menopause.

It's sad.

What's sad?

Beth's such a beautiful dancer.

Yeah, so is my grandmother.

Well, Fonteyn danced into her 50s.

Yeah, we know.

Hey! Oh! Soloists?

Great!

I fucking missed my stop.

Had to hoof it all the way from 79th.

Who's that?

It's that new girl from San Francisco.

Okay.

And up, two, three, four.

Good, one...

Two, three, four, up...

Beautiful as always, Nina.

Relax.

And one, and two, and three, and four, and...

Stop, John. One second.

Okay, take position.

And one, and two, and three, and up.

One, and two, and three, and four...

How are you, dear?

Good, thanks.

We all know the story.

Virginal girl, pure and sweet,

trapped in the body of a swan.

She desires freedom,

but only true love can break the spell.

Her wish is nearly granted

in the form of a prince.

But before he can declare his love,

her lustful twin,

the Black Swan, tricks and seduces him.

Devastated,

the White Swan leaps off a cliff,

killing herself, and in death

finds freedom.

Good morning, company.

Good morning.

We open our season with Swan Lake.

Done to death, I know.

But not like this.

We strip it down, make it visceral

and real.

A new production needs a new Swan Queen.

A fresh face to present to the world.

But,

which of you can embody both swans?

The white and the black.

All the soloists I tapped,

go to your scheduled rehearsals this afternoon.

And the girls I didn't tap,

meet me in the principals' studio at 5:00.

Thank you.

All right, let's go. Did we do left side?

Yes, mistress.

Let's repeat one more time.

Fuck! Fuck!

What?

If I was only casting the White Swan, she'd be yours.

But I'm not.

Maestro, Odile's coda, please.

Now show me your Black Swan, Nina.

No, not so controlled.

Seduce us.

Not just the Prince, but the court,

the audience, the entire world. Come on!

Your fouettées are like a spider spinning a web.

Attack it! Attack it!

Come on!

Well, good of you to join us.

Sorry.

Girls, this is Lily.

Straight off the plane from San Francisco.

- She's filling Rebecca's old spot. - Hey.

Get warmed up. No, it's okay.

I'm good.

Should I go again?

No, thanks, Nina. I've seen enough.

Veronica, the White Swan variation.

Come on, come on, please.

All right, maestro. Two, three...

So, how'd it go?

You were late, so I called Susie in the office.

An audition. I can't believe he just sprang that on you.

So?

It was fine.

Just fine?

Oh, sweetheart.

Oh, you tell me about it.

I know, Susie, but he just can't expect these girls

to come back from break and dance like Beth Macintyre.

It's completely unrealistic.

And they can do the work,

but they don't have Beth's magic...

Well, she's miserable...

Ow! ERICA: Nina, everything all right?

I'm fine.

Oh. Shh.

Almost done.

You're working yourself too hard.

We all have off days.

If that girl hadn't barged in...

I'm sure she didn't mean to.

Remember when you first started?

If I hadn't taken you to each of your classes,

you would have been completely lost.

I'm going to talk to him tomorrow.

I'm going to tell him I finished it.

You don't need to lie.

It won't convince him one way or the other.

Oh, sweetheart.

I know it's disappointing.

And when you start getting older, there's all this

Ridiculous pressure.

God knows I understand.

But it's all right.

No matter what.

You'll probably get to dance the pas de quatre again.

That's such a wonderful part.

Or maybe he'll make you a Big Swan.

Either way, you'll shine.

I know.

Everything will be better in the morning.

It always is.

Sweet girl.

Yes, Nina?

Do you have a minute?

If now is not a good time...

Now is perfect.

So?

Um...

I just wanted to tell you that

I practiced the coda last night and I finished.

I thought you should know.

Okay, Nina, listen.

Honestly, I don't care about your technique.

You should know that by now.

Yeah, but yesterday... No.

Anyway, I've already chosen Veronica.

Sorry.

Okay. Thank you.

That's it?

You're not going to try and change my mind?

You must have thought it was possible.

Otherwise, what are you doing here, all dolled up?

I came to ask for the part.

Well...

The truth is, when I look at you,

all I see is the White Swan.

Yes, you're beautiful, fearful, fragile.

Ideal casting.

But the Black Swan?

It's a hard fucking job to dance both.

I can dance the Black Swan, too.

Really?

In four years, every time you dance,

I see you obsess, getting each and every move perfectly right,

but I never see you lose yourself.

Ever.

All that discipline, for what?

I just want to be perfect.

You what?

I want to be perfect.

Perfection is not just about control.