As courtesans, fashion icons, political pawns and international celebrities, the great ballerinas have played a multitude of roles both on and off the stage. They have moved from the courts of kings to stages around the globe, from the highs of public adoration to the lows of injury and scandal. But few people know the full story.

British Prima Ballerina Darcey Bussell spent two decades at the top, performing all the great roles in the classical repertoire and becoming one of ballet’s most famous faces.

In the first of these documentaries, 'Darcey’s Ballerina Heroines', the changing role of the ballerina is explored: journeying from 18th-century France to 1950s America, we encounter the challenges that Darcey’s predecessors experienced, discover the women who broke the rules, and learn what it takes to be one of the greats.

The following documentary, 'A Ballerina’s Life', shifts the focus to Bussell herself. With accompanying clips detailing some of her greatest performances, she talks about life at the top and reflects on her career from its earliest days.

Running time: 80 minutes
Subtitles: N/A
Sound format: 2.0LPCM + 5.0 DTS