"Growing up as a dancer, I may have considered ballet classes the bane of my existence (jazz and hip hop were far more exciting), but that didn’t stop me from devouring any ballet media that crossed my path. The high stakes of the elite ballet world were simply a breeding ground for some of the best shows to come out of the early 2010s. Dance Academy, Dance Moms (yes, it definitely counts), and the crown jewel of dance dramas, Bunheads, were all on repeat in my household. I still remember the despair I felt when Bunheads was canceled after only one season. So when I saw that the creator of Bunheads, Amy Sherman-Palladino, was returning to the ballet world with a new series, Étoile, my tween heart sang, and I couldn’t wait to binge-watch it. Then, when I realized that she’s also the creator of perhaps the Everygirl’s favorite show in history, Gilmore Girls, I knew it was my duty to report back on whether or not we all need to be streaming Étoile immediately. Here’s my full review:
let's face it: meeting someone in the wild is a lot easier said than done
My review of Étoile
Étoile follows two premier ballet companies, one in New York City and the other in Paris, as they swap dancers to drive ticket sales and save their organizations. Going into the show, I expected it to be Bunheads’ grittier, more serious older sister diving into the dark side of a glamorous world, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. From the very first episode, every second is bursting with the signature, quick-witted, fast-paced Gilmore Girls charm. You’ll recognize the Sherman-Palladino style immediately, and it’s an absolute joy to watch. It’s the bright color palette of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, the snappy dialogue of Gilmore Girls, and the opulent city settings of Gossip Girl all wrapped up in one fabulous production.
The storylines and acting are definitely over the top at points, but if you go in expecting something campy, that only adds to the experience. While the show does touch on some of ballet’s darker realities—like the tension between dancers and board members over art versus profit, the physical demands of the sport, and the complicated relationships within companies—it mostly keeps things light. I was laughing out loud at times (well, it was more like a single huff-exhale, but we all know that’s basically a LOL when you’re alone), and I binge-watched for so long that my TV had to check if I was still watching.
That fast-paced, lighter tone doesn’t mean the show is devoid of depth. There’s enough substance to keep viewers invested in the characters and their growth. We see how the relentless pursuit of perfection affects dancers and choreographers alike, how isolating it can be when your entire life revolves around dance, and there are multiple adorable romance subplots that I’m dying to see play out in season two.
“It’s the bright color palette of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, the snappy dialogue of Gilmore Girls, and the opulent city settings of Gossip Girl all wrapped up in one fabulous production.”
One standout element that sets Étoile apart from other dance dramas is the casting of real, professional dancers. A few stars have dance doubles, but most of the people on screen are actual ballerinas—and it shows. Their presence adds a layer of authenticity, even in the most absurd moments. No matter how wild the plot gets, their talent grounds the show in reality. And honestly, the dance scenes alone are worth tuning in for; the level of skill is jaw-dropping.
Gilmore Girls fans will also absolutely love seeing familiar faces make cameos in Étoile. We get to see Yanic Truesdale living out what could have been Michel’s alternate-universe storyline where he works for a ballet company in Paris, and Emily Gilmore (Kelly Bishop) in a perfectly believable role as a wealthy socialite whose last name graces the famed ballet theater in the show. Sure, they’re playing new characters, but seeing them on my screen again brought such a nostalgic warmth to the series. It gave Étoile the comforting feel that Gilmore Girls always delivered.
Should you watch Étoile?
If you love Amy Sherman-Palladino’s previous work, Étoile absolutely deserves a spot on your watchlist. If you’re expecting the next Black Swan or only tune into dark, hyper-realistic dramas, this one might not be for you, but for everyone else, it’s a delight. It was just the fun, vibrant show I needed. Thankfully, it’s already been renewed for a second season, and in the meantime, I’ll be researching adult beginner ballet classes near me.
Lauren Blue, Assistant Editor
As an Assistant Editor for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives. Her articles span the topics of must-read books, movies, home tours, travel itineraries—and everything in between. When she isn’t testing the latest TikTok trend, she can be found scouring Goodreads for new releases to feature on the site.