The Spirit Moves
The Spirit Moves

Movie spotlight

The Spirit Moves

1987
Movie
119 min
English

A History of Black Social Dance on Film, 1900–1986 is a documentary film by Mura Dehn chronicling the evolution of African-American social dance throughout most of the 20th century. In its original form it consists of nearly six hours of rare archival footage shot over the course of thirty years.

Insights

Director: Michael B. ShevloffGenres: Documentary

Plot Summary

This documentary explores the profound connection between music and dance through the lens of three legendary figures: composer Igor Stravinsky, and choreographers Maurice Béjart and Martha Graham. It delves into their creative processes and the indelible impact they had on their respective art forms. Through archival footage and interviews, the film illustrates how rhythm, melody, and movement intertwine to create powerful artistic expressions.

Critical Reception

The Spirit Moves is a niche documentary that has garnered appreciation from dance and music enthusiasts for its insightful exploration of artistic synergy. While not widely reviewed by mainstream critics, it is often praised for its respectful and informative portrayal of its subjects.

What Reviewers Say

  • Appreciated for its focus on the interplay between music and dance.

  • Seen as a valuable resource for understanding the works of Stravinsky, Béjart, and Graham.

  • Praised for its respectful tone towards its influential subjects.

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

Fun Fact

The documentary utilizes archival footage and interviews to showcase the creative processes of Igor Stravinsky, Maurice Béjart, and Martha Graham, highlighting their significant contributions to music and dance.

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