The Plumber's Waltz

The San Francisco Ballet's performance of John Neumeier's ballet, The Little Mermaid. Composer: Lera Auerbach Conductor: Martin West Artists: John Neumeier, Yuan Yuan Tan, Lloyd Riggins Year: 2011-11 Run time: 02:14:00

Behind every electrifying performance lies a story of sacrifice and passion. Before the Spotlight journeys behind the scenes of the dynamic Dauntless Movement Crew, diving into the lives of three of its standout members, Sienna, Chris and Manu. In a tough industry defined by fierce competition, fleeting opportunities and constant audition cycles, these performers are faced with uncertainty. To challenge them further, the risk of financial instability is significant in a high demanding economy. Yet, their passion grows stronger, fuelled by the support from the community. But what makes the risk worth it?

A group of women dressed up as Commedia dell'Arte characters dance together.

A group of ten infant girls are on a playground. They are in pairs, matched in height. They are doing an organised dance. Each pair twirls simultaneously, while all five pairs rotate in a circular sequence. They often stop their circular rotation so that each pair can perform the same manoeuvre as the other four simultaneously.

When Jacques d'Amboise took a group of dancers and members of his teaching staff to China, they worked with acclaimed dancer Dou Dou Huang and more than a hundred Chinese children. Their goal: to create a special performance using a variety of dance styles - including hip-hop, freestyle jazz and traditional Chinese folk dance - that would premiere at the Shanghai Grand Theatre in honor of the 2007 Shanghai Special Olympics World Games. Part of a month-long cultural exchange between d'Amboise's National Dance Institute and several Chinese troupes, featuring some of that country's most talented young dancers, the collaboration underscored the power of dance to transcend obstacles of culture and language.

A nude woman dances.

1930s short of a nude dancing woman.

1930s short of a nude woman dancing with 2 hand fans.

Two dancers, opposites in all but their art, agree to train together for a competition. At first, they clash, but soon become drawn to each other.

Trying to write and procrastinating as "Judgment Day" draws near.

"Something to Call Our Own" is a compelling documentary that delves into the origins, obstacles, and evolution of modern CHamoru dance. From the small island of Guam to the international stage of FestPAC, the documentary showcases the inspiring story of cultural revival, resilience, and the ongoing journey to reclaim and preserve a tradition that belongs to the CHamoru people. Once silenced by colonization, the CHamoru people rise—through song, chant, and dance. At the heart of this revival stands Master Frank Rabon, who dared to reimagine a lost tradition, giving it back to the generations who longed for it. From the shores of Guam to the world stage of FestPAC the CHamoru people reclaim their identity, their language, their pride. Through every movement, there’s a dance and with every dance they declare: We are still here and this is Something to Call Our Own.

A predominantly non-verbal drama series exploring the interconnections of a group of young BIPOC creatives in London.

A narrative dance film about the hopes and dreams we carry for the future and what happens when they do not come to fruition.

Mothertongue is a dance film that sheds light on the shared and personal experiences of parenthood. It speaks truthfully to the often dark and multilayered narratives, whilst celebrating the sheer power and moments of incomparable joy. It seeks to challenge the expectations of how a mother can behave, and explores the often unspoken emotions, unpaid labour, physical transitions, guilt, rage, sexuality, isolation and unrealistic expectations. It is intimate, contradictory and unapologetic.

Los Ángeles, California

O Samba Antes do Samba

Noetic, Faun and Boléro: Three elements, three visions, three journeys through dance. Choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui's show offers a profound reflection on our intimate connection with the world around us. From putting mathematics in movement to Ravel's Boléro as a dance of death, Cherkaoui transcends the boundaries of the stage to offer us a unique philosophical perception of the world.

Annie Brocoli - Info-Broc santé

Lychgate reimagines the selection of The Chosen One in the iconic ballet The Rite of Spring, depicting a community of women performing a ritual, not to sacrifice, but to honor the unknown and empower one member to envision it. This 360º dance film blurs the boundaries between terrestrial and ethereal planes, sweeping the viewer up in the fervor of bodies moving in ceremony and synchronicity.

An optimistic young woman finds herself struggling to adjust to the physical and psychological strains of life at the most prestigious ballet academy in Paris, where she is trying to make it big as a ballet dancer. She musters all her strength to cope with family and career problems without getting too distracted from reaching her seemingly unattainable goals.