The Captivating Dance of Film

The camera captures motion beautifully. Think about the iconic red balloon floating through Paris in Albert Lamorisse’s 1956 short. Yet, it’s the grace of human dancers that truly captivates us. The ‘Serpentine Danse’ films from the late 19th century, featuring dancers with swaying dresses rendered in hand-tinted pastels, exemplify this allure. People are drawn to both the spectacle and talent of dance, which evoke emotions and tell stories. Live performances are fleeting, as the saying goes, ‘you can’t catch the wind.’ But, film preserves these movements for eternity, as noted by art historian RoseLee Goldberg.

With summer in mind, we sought recommendations for a dance-focused film watch list. We consulted ten performers to highlight movies that influenced their work and remain vivid in their memories.

‘Beau Travail,’ Claire Denis, 1999

Celia Rowlson-Hall, a choreographer and director, views ‘Beau Travail’ as a masterpiece. Her introduction a decade ago was transformative, wishing simultaneously to have made the film herself. The climactic scene with Denis Lavant, playing a sergeant in the French Foreign Legion, features an electrifying two-minute dance. Lavant’s precise movements display intent and intensity, while the buildup to this climax is equally gripping.

The movie begins in a nightclub, soldiers dancing with local women. Their rigorous training in Djibouti’s harsh desert environment resembles ballet. Tasks like wall jumping and wire crawling highlight unique, personal interpretations of choreography. A note-worthy decision is made by Claire Denis at the film’s conclusion, ending midturn, allowing Lavant’s spin to linger perpetually in the viewer’s imagination.

‘West Side Story,’ Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins, 1961

RoseLee Goldberg reflects on ‘West Side Story’ with fondness. Her childhood in Durban, South Africa, was steeped in dance. The film, released in 1961, resonated deeply, paralleling the social tensions and youthful movements in her homeland. She saw the film multiple times, inspired by George Chakiris, who portrayed Bernardo, and Jerome Robbins, whose choreography represented where dance should head.

One memorable scene in the gym dramatizes racial tensions and identity, as the Jets and Sharks, opposing gangs, gear up for a dance-off. The distinct postures of each group reflect their traits and societal roles. The film’s influence was such that it left viewers, including Goldberg, strutting and snapping their fingers down the street.

“When ‘West Side Story’ came out, it felt inseparable from the social climates both in South Africa and the United States.” – RoseLee Goldberg