Documentary ‘Ballet 422’ Will Pirouette into Theaters Feb. 6

“Ballet 422” is a documentary drama that shows the backstage world of the New York City Ballet with its prime focus on emerging choreographer Justin Peck, who is working on perfecting a new craft and take on dance. The film will be released in theaters on February 6.

Directed by Jody Lee Lipes, the Magnolia Pictures work also includes Tiler Peck, Alisha Heng, Sterling Hyltin, and Amar Ramasar. The New York City Ballet holds a roster of more than 90 dancers, featuring work from many of the greatest choreographers in the history of the art form. This is when 25-year-old NYCB dancer Justin Peck begins to emerge as a promising young choreographer that he is commissioned to create a new style for the Company’s 2013 Winter Season. The film follows Peck’s journey as he collaborates with musicians, lighting designers, costume designers, and fellow dancers to create Paz de la Jolla, NYCB’s 422nd new ballet – hence the title.

Peck was born in Washington, D.C., going on to spend his formative years in Encinitas, California, where he studied at California Ballet. He began training at the School of American Ballet, the official school of New York City Ballet, in 2003, where he was given the opportunity to study with Jack Soto, Peter Boal, and Peter Martins.

In 2006, Peck became an apprentice with NYCB, joining the Company as a member of the corps de ballet a year later. By 2013, he had been promoted to a soloist. Since joining NYCB, Peck has performed various featured roles in works by George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Peter Martins, and Benjamin Millepied. Paz de la Jolla premiered on Jan. 31, 2013.

‘Ballet 422’ dances into theaters Feb. 6.