Alive and Kicking

Alive and Kicking is an intriguing, inspiring, and vivacious documentary film released in 2016. The movie shines the spotlight firmly on the burgeoning world of swing dancing, capturing the joy, enthusiasm and human connections that this dance form sparks among its participants. Directed by Susan Glatzer, veterans of the dance form such as Hilary Alexander, Evita Arce, and Kimberly Clever illuminate this effervescent journey as the principal interviewees and performers.

Glatzer's concession to the entrancing world of swing dance paints it as a vibrant balm for our fast-paced, digital lives. The dancers lose themselves in the shared communion of rhythm and movement, carving a niche for their authenticity, humanity, and expressiveness. The director reveals, through this craft, the potential for individual and collective empowerment, creating an absorbing homage to this world of movement and music.

The film commences with a sensational medley, juxtaposing vintage footage with present-day dancers careening across upper Manhattan — deftly illustrating the timeless nature of dance that transcends periods and generations. The viewer is subsequently plunged directly into a passionate domain of twirls, spins, and rhythm-spanning continents. The film hones in, judiciously, providing audiences with an overview of its history, its decline in popularity following World War II, before it resurged, alive and kicking, into the mainstream.

The film's skilled photographer, John W. MacDonald, stitches the narrative beautifully with a colorful array of interviews and performances that range from chic dance halls in New York to sun-drenched gatherings in Los Angeles. The featured dancers astonish with their rhythmic athleticism and sheer joy of movement. Their off-floor testimonies add depth to the narrative, highlighting the therapeutic values and sense of belonging they discover in this dance form.

Hilary Alexander, a renowned swing dance instructor and founder of the popular Camp Hollywood event, steps onto the screen with the kind of genuine passion and excitement that epitomizes the spirit of swing. As she recounts compelling anecdotes from her journey in swing dance, we are drawn into her infectious enthusiasm and deep-seated respect for the form.

Renowned international Lindy Hop performer and teacher, Evita Arce, narrates her earnest tales of persistence, through which she harnesses swing dance as an art and an integral part of her personal and professional life. Her accounts of her struggles and experiences illuminate the unique passion and resilience that this dance form arouses in its practitioners.

Kimberly Clever, another integral part of this documentary, offers a refreshing and energetic perspective on swing dance. Her personal story and her interactions with dance partner David Frutos add a charming and engaging dynamic to the scenery. Together, their love for the craft inspires and emphasizes the central theme of the film- the exhilarating, transformative power of dance.

"Alive and Kicking" also gives a voice to amateur dancers, therapists, neurologists, and cultural commentators who discuss the tangible physiological and psychological benefits of a partner dance that is primarily oriented around social interaction and touch. The viewers receive an unintended lesson about neuroscience, reaffirming how swing dancing can ameliorate depression, anxiety, and increase happiness.

The film, through its riveting visuals and captivating narratives, propounds the therapeutic and transformative impact of swing dance on its practitioners. The audience whizzes along on a mesmerizing voyage into the vibrant subcultures around the globe that swing dance has cultivated. The wisdom we glean from the compelling stories of Hilary Alexander, Evita Arce, and Kimbery Clever among others tell us how this dance form can breed resilience, happiness, and a sense of community that stretches beyond the dance floor.

From the opening scenes, where the film generously shares its enchanting dance sequences, to its unraveling, where it delves into the therapeutic virtues of this beautiful dance, viewers are left with a newfound appreciation for the joy of movement. Both fans of the dance and moviegoers without prior knowledge of swing dance can appreciate this documentary for its captivating portrayal that is nothing short of being "Alive and Kicking".