Just keep on dancing in the direction of your dreams.
That is the sentiment of Félicie in the beloved 2016 animated film, “Ballerina” — or for American audiences, “Leap!”.
Released nearly a decade ago, the film follows orphaned friends Félicie and Victor as they leave their orphanage behind and journey to Paris in pursuit of their dreams. For Victor, that means becoming a great inventor. For Félicie, the dream is even grander: becoming a ballerina at the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet.
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, the film tells a timeless story about perseverance, ambition and believing in yourself despite the obstacles standing in your way. It is a reminder that talent alone is rarely enough. Instead, it is dedication, hard work and the willingness to take a leap of faith that often carry us toward our goals.
Combined with its charming cast, heartfelt message and picturesque setting, it is easy to see why audiences around the world fell in love with this underrated animated feature.
Yet despite its strong global box office performance, “Ballerina” has remained surprisingly quiet in the years following its home release, generating far less conversation than many of its animated contemporaries.
Until now.
It’s time to take position zero before the curtain rises once again, as “Ballerina” is officially preparing for a return. The franchise is currently slated to expand with a sequel film, television series and additional content.
As the announcement remains in its earliest stages, few details have been revealed regarding what shape these new projects will take. However, the creative team has made it clear that they intend to further expand the film’s universe across multiple platforms.
In doing so, a new generation of viewers will have the opportunity to discover Félicie and Victor’s journey for the first time. More importantly, they may also discover a newfound appreciation for the art of ballet itself.
“Ballerina” doesn’t offer one obvious explanation for why its return is arriving nearly ten years after the original film’s release. But that doesn’t make the comeback any less deserved.
The characters remain endearing. The story remains uplifting. And its message about chasing seemingly impossible dreams feels just as relevant today as it did in 2016.
As France continues to establish itself as one of the most influential creative forces in modern animation, perhaps there is no better time to revisit another story born beneath the skyline of Paris.
After all, some dreams are simply too timeless to stay behind the curtain forever.
Though this time, the Eiffel Tower isn’t in danger.