Kick (1999)

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What would happen if the hero of your high school football team decided he'd rather be a ballet dancer? That's the dilemma in this Australian drama, in which Russell Page plays Matt, a working-class teenager who is accepted into an upscale private school. While many of the students are cool to Matt at first, he gains popularity when he proves he's a demon on the rugby field. But Matt has a secret -- he spent most of his childhood studying ballet, and while it wouldn't be good for his image, a love of dance still burns in his heart. When he finds out a local ballet company is holding auditions for "Romeo and Juliet," Matt throws caution to the wind and tries out, winning the lead role. However, Matt has rugby finals, school examinations and a college scholarship presentation to prepare along with his rehearsals, and as the tension starts to get to Matt, his best friend Tom (Martin Henderson) wonders if his buddy is making a mistake. Matt's girlfriend Tamara (Radha Mitchell) is also none too pleased, especially since Matt seems to be enjoying his rehearsals with his dance partner Claire (Rebecca Yates). Paul Mercurio, who plays the choreographer for Matt's dance company, won his role honestly enough -- he also served as choreographer for the film's many dance numbers. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi