Only When I Dance
Only When I Dance

Movie spotlight

Only When I Dance

2009
Movie
78 min
English

Defying the idea that ballet is an art form steeped in the history of the wealthy white elite, this documentary captures the dreams of two black children from the Favela in Brazil, who, despite constant prejudice and doubt, are both determined to beat the odds and follow their dreams to use dancing as an escape rarely found in their tough day to day lives.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Director: Jezebel WilliamsGenres: Documentary, Dance

Plot Summary

This documentary follows the dreams and struggles of three aspiring ballet dancers from different backgrounds as they navigate the intensely competitive world of professional dance. It captures their dedication, sacrifices, and the immense pressure they face to achieve their goals in prestigious dance companies. The film offers a raw and intimate look at the discipline required and the emotional toll of pursuing a career in ballet. It highlights their journeys through auditions, rehearsals, and pivotal performances, showcasing both the triumphs and the heartbreaks.

Critical Reception

Only When I Dance was met with generally positive reviews, particularly praised for its intimate and often poignant portrayal of the dedication and challenges faced by professional ballet dancers. Critics lauded its access to the dancers' personal lives and the emotional depth achieved, though some noted that the pacing could occasionally feel slow. Audiences connected with the raw honesty and the inspiring yet demanding nature of the art form depicted.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its intimate and honest look at the demanding world of ballet.

  • Applauded for showcasing the dedication and sacrifices of aspiring dancers.

  • Some found the pacing a bit slow, but the emotional impact was widely recognized.

Google audience: Information regarding Google user reviews and specific audience sentiment is not readily available for this documentary.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

Director Jezebel Williams spent several years filming to capture the true arc of the dancers' journeys, allowing for a deeply personal and evolving narrative.

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