Diane Kruger is returning to the screen in the new Kiwi-directed biopic Joika.

The Troy and Inglourious Basterds star plays Joy Womack - one of the few Americans to be accepted into Russia's infamous Bolshoi Ballet.

Kruger says she's always been fascinated with the discipline and grace that comes with ballet, despite giving up performing.

"I love the atmosphere of a ballet studio, of seeing the girls doing their exercises - I'm still able to see who does well, who's struggling in certain areas, it all comes back to you."

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