影片以美国著名芭蕾舞比赛（Youth America Grand Prix）为背景，讲述了六个6-19岁的孩子，在学习芭蕾的过程中，学会坚持，学会哪怕经历伤痛、沮丧也依然面带微笑的坚强背后，是如何为自己的理想奋斗的。

The story of Nina, a ballerina in a New York City ballet company whose life, like all those in her profession, is completely consumed with dance. She lives with her retired ballerina mother Erica who zealously supports her daughter's professional ambition. When artistic director Thomas Leroy decides to replace prima ballerina Beth MacIntyre for the opening production of their new season, Swan Lake, Nina is his first choice.