Network: Starz
Episodes: Eight (hour)
Seasons: One

TV show dates: November 8, 2015 — December 27, 2016
Series status: Ended

Performers include: Sarah Hay, Ben Daniels, Irina Dvorovenko, Sascha Radetsky, Raychel Diane Weiner, Emily Tyra, Josh Helman, Damon Herriman, Tina Benko, Karrell Williams, Patrick Page, and Tovah Feldshuh.

TV show description:
This drama follows emotionally wounded ballerina, Claire Robbins (Sarah Hay), as she joins New York’s American Ballet Company (ABC). Claire’s talent and ambitions are in conflict with her self-destructive nature. Rudderless, Claire navigates this new, dysfunctional world, even as she is confronted by her past.

The bipolar, bisexual Paul Grayson (Ben Daniels), is founder and artistic director of the ABC. Once a celebrated dancer, Paul is driven to make ABC the premier ballet company, and he sees Claire as a tool in achieving that goal. While he fancies himself as one who nurtures the dancers in his charge, he demands an unhealthy degree of loyalty from them. Paul’s quicksilver temperament keeps the dancers on their toes.

Quick-witted New Jerseyan, Mia (Emily Tyra), is assigned to room with Claire. Mia hides her insecurities and her mommy-issues behind her sharp sense of humor. Although she struggles with an eating disorder, and doesn’t put a lot of thought into her sexual choices, Mia is determined to succeed as a dancer, in order to prove her worth. Will she be able to deal with the consequences of her ill-conceived actions?

Claire’s big brother, Bryan (Josh Helman), served in Afghanistan with the U.S. Marines for three years, at his father’s insistence. Upon returning to Pittsburgh, Bryan, who is suffering from PTSD, is overly-focused on and dependent upon his little sister.

The homeless Romeo (Damon Herriman) lives beneath Claire and Mia’s building and is convinced it is his duty to protect them, and all of the people in “his” building. Bright and sweet, Romeo is living with untreated schizophrenia, which contributes to his peculiar take on the world. To Romeo, Claire’s arrival seems a portent connected to the book he’s writing. While Romeo always wants to do right, his nature and illness sometimes leave him unbalanced.

Ukrainian-immigrant, prima ballerina Kiira (Irina Dvorovenko), is a born and bred competitor. As star of the ABC, she has long served as Paul’s inspiration. Even though she plans for a good life after her dancing days are done, Kiira can barely stomach the thought of life offstage. Seeing Claire as a professional threat, Kiira tortures herself to stay on top.

Unruly, free-spirited Daphne (Raychel Diane Weiner), is a child of privilege, who is desperate to perfect her art, regardless of her wealthy family’s disdain for her vocation. Daphne shakes it off, literally, at the high-end gentleman’s club, Anastasia.

Jessica Jordan (Tina Benko) left the ballet to marry and start a family. Divorced, this single mother must return to work, to support her child. As the ABC’s Company Manager, Jessica resolves to succeed for the sake of her company and her family.

Leading man and philanderer, Ross (Sascha Radetsky), is a principal dancer. He’s also Kiira’s ex-lover and longtime dance partner. Used to relying on his charm and talent to get him anything he wants, Ross realizes his status at ABC is not nearly as secure as he once thought, thanks to Paul.

Out and proud, the snarky Trey (Karell Williams), is adored but feared by the ballerinas. He also manages to insinuate himself into Ross’s life. This brutally funny, merciless opportunist is one fierce adversary. How far will he go to get what he wants?

Gentleman-mobster, Sergei Zelenkov (Patrick Page), is a wealthy ballet aficionado. His ill-gotten gains flow not only from his Anastasia strip club, but also from his dealings with the Russian mob. Dangerous, Sergei will not allow anyone to thwart his aspirations to be accepted into the inner-circle of ballet patronage.

Series Finale:
Episode #8 — Scorched Earth
Kira’s decision throws opening night into disarray. Daphne finds herself in the spotlight while Claire rises to artistic transcendence. Meanwhile, Romeo’s prophecy is revealed.
First aired: December 27, 2015.

What do you think? Do you like the Flesh and Bone TV show? Do you think it should have been renewed for a second season?