FYC = Everybody Dance (2002)
Doc Recommendation + Trailer
Do you ever put off things you know you’ll enjoy because they might make you feel things you rather not feel? If so, you’re not alone, fellow empathetic person.
Since I first heard about Everybody Dance, Dan Watt’s feature documentary about Bonnie Schlachte and her Ballet For All students/team, I knew I would both appreciate and love it.
A dance school founded by a dancer and occupational therapist that works with kids of ALL abilities AND disabilities? Yes, please.
While I encouraged others to watch this I-think-AND-know-I-can film, I still somehow managed to keep coming up with excuses not to watch it. Until last night.
"Dancers don't need wings to fly."
Bonnie Schlachte
Simply put, I hadn’t watched it yet because I worried I would need a box of tissues.
And while I don’t want to ruin the film (STREAM FOR FREE), I will say the only tears I shed were tears of joy. And wonder.
In honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Everybody Dance is streaming for free on Amazon Prime/Freevee, Tubi and more.)
Everybody Dance is filled with things I think the world can always use more of: Art, Creativity, Education, Kindness, Love, Passion, Respect, and Teamwork.
This labor-of-love film is a bright and light visual tapestry, its 85 minutes are filled to the brim with stories of real-life challenges and triumphs.
Choosing to highlight many stories rather than focus on a few, queer filmmaker Dan Watt and editor/producer Isiah Camp weave such a compelling, whirlwind narrative that left me wanting more…and completely satisfied all at the same time.
In my book, that’s the very definition of a successful documentary: One that doesn’t wear out its welcome and leaves room for the story and its subjects to live on in our imaginations and in their real lives.
Kudos to Ms. Schlachte, her dedicated volunteers, her inspiring students, and the loving parents who provide the foundation and patronage for a school like this not only to exist but to thrive. Also, big thanks to them and the filmmakers for sharing some of their collaborative magic and shine with the world.
I not only recommend this film…I hope you recommend it too.
I also hope you dance.
Thanks for reading!
Clint
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What a wonderfully life-affirming film! Thanks for bringing "Everybody Dance" to our attention, Clint!