Tiny Dancer (2025), short film
After a misguided gift from her mother triggers a relapse, a gifted dancer struggling with disordered eating must learn to follow the dance of her inner child.
full credits list available on IMDB
the mission
"Tiny Dancer explores eating disorders in the world of theatre dance, but it isn’t a film about disordered eating. At its core, it’s a story about reconnecting with your inner child and learning to listen to your innate voice rather than the noise around you. The film is loosely based on my life, and I’ve come to see my struggle with bulimia as a symptom of deeper issues: low self-esteem and shame. While this story may bring solace to survivors, especially those in artistic sport spaces poorly represented in media, I believe it also speaks to anyone who has ever looked in the mirror and questioned who they are meant to be. In the end, Tiny Dancer delivers a universal message of empathy, acceptance, and forgiveness for every character within its narrative."
~ Stéphanie Visconti
the story
TINY DANCER follows the story of Scarlett, an aspiring dancer attending a theatre school who is quietly unraveling. On the day of her 18th birthday, the dance world's impossible standards and society's conflicting expectations are weighing her down, leaving her feeling isolated and unsure of her worth. After receiving a misguided gift from her mother, Scarlett experiences a bulimic episode, plunging her into a surreal encounter with a childlike version of herself - her innate self. In a vivid dream-ballet sequence, inspired by dance classics like A Chorus Line, Center Stage, All That Jazz, and Chicago, Scarlett is reminded how to move through life authentically with the guidance of her inner child, discovers the power of forgiveness, and begins on a journey home to herself.
This film intends to portray eating disOrders within the performing arts industries on camera in an honest, free of stigma, and non-romanticized light. It explores the micro-aggressions that can often contribute to the development of body dysmorphia and various eating disOrders with great care. The piece aims to bring solace to survivors in the fact that they are not alone in a continuing journey to healing, while also displaying empathy towards all players in this narrative, as body image affects everybody. Tiny Dancer is a film for anyone who's felt "not enough" that shares an optimistic message in its resolution.