“There is rivalry and relationships,” another continues. A young woman later haughtily intones: “Do I think everyone belongs? Probably not. To be the best, it takes passion, sacrifice” — dramatic pause — “and obsession.”

Getting “Breaking Pointe” off the ground proved to be a lengthy process. Casting producers considered about 15 ballet schools, including those of the San Francisco Ballet, the Boston Ballet and Juilliard, before narrowing the pool down to a final three. Ballet West’s prestige and social structure — with only 40 dancers and a relatively isolated setting in Salt Lake City, the company is extremely tight-knit — were key selling points