They are the best goddamn dancers at the American Ballet Academy and Archer School of Ballet. But they also seem to be dancing the same pas de deux. Watch just one episode of Netflix's new series, and you'll find that Tiny Pretty Things and Center Stage have more in common than just pointe shoes and pirouettes — several scenes directly echo back to the 2000s cult favorite that launched Zoe Saldana's career and unrealistic ballet expectations.
Center Stage: An outsider enrolls in a prestigious ballet academy, only to dance up against politics, predatory behavior, and Peter Gallagher. Subtract Peter Gallagher, and add in Lauren Holly and a dash of attempted murder (though one could claim this joke is a federal crime), and you've got Tiny Pretty Things. So let's look at all the ways in which both the series and film align better than Jody Sawyer's turnout.
(Warning: Light spoilers for both Center Stage and Tiny Pretty Things ahead!)
1.
Tiny Pretty Things:
Center Stage:
Both Neveah and Eva (hey, their names even rhyme!) burst onto campus and are derided for their unique point(e) of view — and wardrobe.
2.
Tiny Pretty Things:
Center Stage:
Neveah and Jody command the stage, but not their first class. The students are both criticized for a lack of sophisticated technique in front of a set of sneering classmates.
3.
Tiny Pretty Things:
Center Stage:
In their spare time, students at both the American Ballet Academy and the Archer School check out the professionals...
4.
Tiny Pretty Things:
Center Stage:
...and are reminded why all the attempted murder, inappropriate relationships, and body harm are worth it(?).
5.
Tiny Pretty Things:
Center Stage:
At a donor reception, both Neveah and Jody are propped up as, well, props in each school's quest for esteem and cash.
6.
Tiny Pretty Things:
Center Stage:
June and Maureen push people down (literally?) to pull themselves up in front of their mothers.
7.
Tiny Pretty Things:
Center Stage:
Tiny Pretty Things' Monique and Center Stage's Juliette interrupt after-hours training to encourage star students to loosen up.
8.
Tiny Pretty Things:
Center Stage:
Bad boys Ramon Costa and Cooper Nielsen cause internal chaos with the sheer promise of untraditional choreography.
9.
Tiny Pretty Things:
Center Stage:
Bette and Maureen both sacrifice their health to live out their stage mothers' dreams.
10.
Tiny Pretty Things:
Center Stage:
A night at the club helps both sets of pent-up students open up their hearts and drink bottles.
11.
Tiny Pretty Things:
Center Stage:
An empty theater proves the perfect place to play pretend.
12.
Tiny Pretty Things:
Center Stage:
And rehearsal proves the perfect time for predator choreographers to grope their leading ladies.
13.
Tiny Pretty Things:
Center Stage:
Bette and Maureen lash out at the handsome, sensitive outsider trying to cure them of their addictions.
14.
Tiny Pretty Things:
Center Stage:
Bette and Anna both take the opportunity to bring the competition to the next level.
15.
Tiny Pretty Things:
Center Stage:
While Ramon and Cooper take the opportunity to bring inappropriate relationships to the next level.
Can you blame Tiny Pretty Things for paying such homage? After all, all those pirouettes would have anyone seeing double.
Images: Netflix; Columbia Pictures