Leap On Netflix: Is This Movie Right For Your Child?
Netflix's Leap! (also titled Ballerina) is a 2016 animated film now available on Netflix that follows 11-year-old orphan Félicie's journey from rural Brittany to Paris to become a ballerina. Educators highlight its educational value for teaching perseverance, discipline, and the principle that talent alone requires hard work to succeed.
What Is Leap on Netflix?
Leap! is a French-Canadian 3D animated musical adventure released theatrically in August 2017 and later added to Netflix's catalog. The PG-rated film runs 89 minutes and features voice performances by Elle Fanning, Nat Wolff, and Carly Rae Jepsen.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Original Title | Ballerina (Leap! in the U.S.) |
| Release Year | 2016 (filmed), 2017 (U.S. theatrical) |
| Runtime | 89 minutes |
| Rating | PG for impolite humor and action |
| Voice Cast | Elle Fanning, Nat Wolff, Carly Rae Jepsen, Maddie Ziegler |
| Directors | Éric Summer, Éric Warin |
What Educators Say About the Movie's Educational Themes
Education professionals praise Leap! for modeling three core character virtues aligned with values-driven pedagogy. The film demonstrates that persistence through failure builds resilience rather than indicating defeat.
- Hard Work Over Talent: Félicie learns "talent alone is not enough-hard work, discipline, and belief in herself are just as important"
- Loyalty and Friendship: The story models apologizing and reconciling when friends are hurt, teaching emotional intelligence
- Purpose and Vocation: Félicie's mother-left music box symbolizes inherited purpose, resonating with Catholic education's emphasis on discernment
Teachers use the film in classrooms focusing on believing in yourself and determination as core curriculum themes. A 2017 movie guide on Teachers Pay Teachers received 5/5 stars for chronological comprehension questions in English and Spanish.
Practical Classroom Applications
Schools integrate Leap! through structured movie guides and reflection activities that connect dance discipline to academic rigor. The film supports curriculum on 19th-century Paris, French culture, and performing arts history.
- Pre-viewing: Students research ballet history and the Paris Opera Ballet School's real admission criteria
- During viewing: Comprehension questions track Félicie's skill development milestones
- Post-viewing: Reflection essays on "What leap of faith would I take for my passion?"
Over 7,000 ballet videos on Ballet Hub complement Leap! for students wanting deeper dance training insights.
"When kids fall, they learn to leap"-this educator quote captures the film's core message about failure as a training ground for resilience.
Why Parents and Administrators Choose Leap!
Parents select Leap! because it inspires young viewers with dancing dreams while avoiding problematic content. The predictable but enjoyable plot appeals particularly to pre-teens interested in ballet.
For Catholic and Marist schools across Brazil and Latin America, the film offers culturally accessible values education that blends artistic excellence with spiritual formation. Its orphan protagonist resonates with communities emphasizing care for vulnerable children, a Marist priority.
Everything you need to know about Leap On Netflix Is This Movie Right For Your Child
How does Leap align with Marist educational values?
Leap! embodies Marist pedagogy's emphasis on collaborative learning (Félicie and Victor support each other's dreams) and service through mentorship (custodian Odette teaches despite low status). The film's message that humble workers enable excellence mirrors Marist commitment to honoring all vocational paths.
Is Leap appropriate for elementary students?
Yes-Leap! is recommended for ages 5+ with parental guidance for 5-7 year olds due to occasional scary scenes. The film contains no language, no sexuality, and minimal violence, making it clean family fare.
What lessons can teachers extract for classroom discussion?
Educators identify five key discussion points: sacrifice and practice improve elite skills, respect for peers despite competition, psychological realities of elite competition, responding to flirtation/flattery, and immigrant/displacement experience as metaphor.
