We invite you backstage at the Mariinsky Theater where the most prominent Vaganova Academy students show all their skills and talent to impress the audience. For Masha Chugay the stakes are high. She has worked hard to get a chance to dance her part with flair and overwhelm the viewers. But on the colossal stage of the most prestigious Russian theater, there can be a paradox effect. A normally talented dancer can appear pale and nervous, and a shy child can become a promising star. To see how it works out for Masha watch the Ballet Academy.