Strike a Pose
Strike a Pose

Movie spotlight

Strike a Pose

2016
Movie
89 min
Dutch

In 1990, seven young male dancers joined Madonna on her most controversial world tour. Their journey was captured in Truth or Dare. As a self-proclaimed 'mother' to her six gay dancers plus straight Oliver, Madonna used the film to make a stand on gay rights and freedom of expression. The dancers became paragons of pride, inspiring people all over the world to dare to be who you are. 25 years later, the dancers share their own stories about life during and after the tour. What does it really take to express yourself?

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes90%
Metacritic70/100
Google Users89%
Director: Ester Gould and Reijer ZwaanGenres: Documentary, Music

Plot Summary

This documentary chronicles the lives of the dancers who accompanied Madonna on her iconic 1990 Blond Ambition World Tour. It delves into their personal journeys, their experiences during the tour, and the lasting impact it had on their lives and careers.

Critical Reception

Strike a Pose received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its intimate look at the lives of Madonna's dancers and their often-overlooked contributions to pop culture history. The film was commended for giving a voice to these performers, exploring themes of identity, sexuality, and the challenges they faced both during and after the tour.

What Reviewers Say

  • Offers a fascinating and personal perspective on a significant moment in pop music history.

  • Highlights the often unseen figures behind iconic performances.

  • Explores complex themes of identity, fame, and the aftermath of working with a global superstar.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the documentary's focus on the dancers, finding their stories compelling and often emotional. Many viewers felt the film provided a valuable and overdue spotlight on these individuals, offering insight into their struggles and triumphs.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Documentary at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The film features interviews with five of the seven dancers who toured with Madonna: Kevin Stea, Carlton "CJ" Smith, Luis Camacho, Jose Xtravaganza, and Oliver Crumes. Two dancers, Salim "Gaucho" Jouban and Gabriel "Monk" Bissette, passed away before the documentary was made.

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