The new Disney Plus docu-series On Pointe takes viewers inside the School of American Ballet, the prestigious New York academy for some of the world’s most promising ballet students. Watch the intense trailer:

Directed by Larissa Bills and executive produced by a team that includes Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, the six-part series showcases the intensity and athleticism of the art. Via Disney:

Featuring unprecedented access to the famous ballet institution, the series follows the lives of the students ages 8 to 18 pursuing their dreams to become ballet dancers. While older students from all over the country rigorously train for professional careers, younger students from New York City are put through their paces as they rehearse and perform in New York City Ballet’s holiday classic “George Balanchine‘s The Nutcracker” onstage at Lincoln Center.

The series premieres December 18.

Image: YouTube / Disney Plus