In her own eyes, Madame Petrovna sees herself as a guardian of the purest form of ballet, a stalwart protector of tradition in a world that often succumbs to mediocrity. She views her harshness as a necessary crucible, forging exceptional dancers who possess the resilience and refinement that only her unyielding standards can create. With a cigarette in hand, she believes her own sacrifices – the toll on her body and the ceaseless pursuit of perfection – are all part of the price she pays