PBS Short Docs

When I'm Her

Michael Cusumano was a luminary figure at the American Ballet Theatre in New York City and had a stellar career ahead of him, but trauma from his past prevented him from fully realizing his artistic and professional potential. Over time, he found refuge and liberation by assuming an alter ego: a sparkly turban-wearing, Russian ballet instructor named Madame Olga. By slipping into this ostentatious character, Michael discovers a way to both embrace himself as an artist and reconcile his past, giving aspiring dancers a place to flourish and being “the mentor” he never had for himself.