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By DEBORAH NICOL
Ah, fifth grade. The
awkwardness of the opposite sex, changing bodies,
and... the tango. For over ten years more than
sixty schools from the New York City public school
system have come together for a dance competition.
At the completion of a ten-week course these
students have learned the tango, the meringue, and
swing dance, but they walk away with much more
than that.
First-time director Marilyn Agrelo documents the
trials and successes of some of these students, as
they learn to deal with frustration and gain
confidence. As would be expected of ten-year-olds,
they begin bashfully as they are forced to look
into their dance partner's eyes and hold hands.
Arms flail, eyes wander, and feet misstep. But
with the goal of attending the competition ahead
of them, they straighten up and concentrate, each
vying for a spot on the school team.
This documentary is simply shot and somewhat
surface-level, though this does not diminish the
movie's power. Priority is given to exhibiting the
children dancing and their tough surroundings are
held in periphery. Most of the children featured
are from neighborhoods of high poverty, broken
homes and easy drugs. The kids acknowledge this in
discussions held outside of school, but conclude
with their hopes towards a bright future of dating
people that respect them and becoming lawyers.
Parents are shown briefly, though it is apparent
that the schools often have to perform roles that
some of these parents are unable to fulfill.
Teachers and principals have great faith in this
free program, as they have witnessed students
shape up and become leaders. Students are forced
to communicate, vocally and through body language.
Many of the students of this film are bilingual,
often first-generation Americans. A new student
that barely speaks English is helped along by his
close-knit group. Dancing allows them to focus on
one task at hand, and work together to perfect it.
At such an age that leads into the tough teenage
years, it is important for children to learn
respect and teamwork and to acknowledge the
results of commitment to a goal.
This movie could have been even more informative
of the city's education system and the environment
the children have been raised in, but rather it
centers attention on the children themselves.
Through this citywide contest, they are forced to
learn the pros and cons of competition. Those that
do not succeed as champions must deal with those
feelings of aggravation, after they have put their
all into their performance and yet feel they are
not properly awarded for their efforts. It is then
the teacher's great responsibility to turn anger
into a learning experience, so that the students
continue to work hard in future events and that
they also acknowledge how far they have come
through this one. As for those on the winning
side, they have gained pride and confidence in
both themselves and their fellow students.
Most of all, this movie is about joy. It is
impossible not to smile throughout the final
stages of competition, while watching a team that
has learned so much and now so fully support one
another. As they jump and cheer for fellow
students on the dance floor, the excitement is
palpable. Parents in the audience tear up at the
sight of children who have found a passion.
Students proudly proclaim that perhaps instead of
a doctor they will become a dancer. Whichever
dream they choose, this film has proven they are
sure to achieve it.
The only extras on this DVD are previews. |
