Danzar Con Maria

"Danzar Con Maria" is a charming exploration of the life and philosophy of Maria Fux, an internationally celebrated dancer, dance teacher, and choreographer. Translating to dancing with Maria in English, the title itself is a perfect description of the intimate connection the viewer is allowed to observe with Maria as she communicates her stories, experiences and emotions through the poetic language of dance.

Presented in a documentary style, "Danzar Con Maria" is a content-rich tribute to a living legend, directed adeptly. The film explores an exceptional but understated artist's inspirational life and career that spanned for an impressive seventy years and inspired myriad students worldwide.

Maria Fux, born in Argentina in 1922, was identified to have inherited a unique, innate talent for dance during her early childhood. She passionately honed and mastered her craft, transcending conventional norms and expectations and making a significant impact on the international dance scene. As the film emphasizes, Fux managed to merge her passion for dance with the human need for expression and therapeutic relief.

This exquisitely shot film is not just a biopic; it is a poignant memoir that captures the essence of Fux’s belief in dance as a significant tool for communication and therapy. The director provides an intimate glimpse into the dancer's life, her students, and the impact dance has had in their lives.

Balancing the narrative of Maria's professional journey, the film intimately captures her personal moments, reveling in her candid observances about life, creativity, and her unique philosophy of dance. As a woman in her 90s, she continues to be active, unrelenting in her love for dance and its power to heal, connect and awaken the spirit.

Maria’s unique dance philosophy, where she uses dance as therapeutic activity for herself and others is highlighted during several moments in the film. Fux's belief in the universality and transcendental nature of dance breaks barriers of age, disability, and cultural backgrounds making a robust statement. Inclusivity, accessibility, and the therapeutic power of dance emerge as the central themes of the documentary.

The film includes extensive footage of Maria’s dance classes, demonstrating her method of working with people of all ages and abilities, including those with physical and mental disabilities. Maria's students are not just deliciously diverse, but they also bring a rich mosaic of life experiences to the film, mirroring the themes Maria embodies - transformation, healing and the act of overcoming personal limitations even in the face of insurmountable odds.

Various segments in the film highlight the transformational power of dance therapy. Stories about the students show a dramatic change in their lives, in part due to Maria's unconventional approach to engaging the body and mind through rhythmic movement.

Through these stories and practical demonstrations, the audience can witness how Maria enables her dance students to overcome personal fears and barriers and unleash their potential. Her dance therapy's transformative power was vividly portrayed through the stories of personal growth, confidence building, and healing that Maria's students share.

"Danzar Con Maria" is a beautiful depiction of a woman who, nearing a full century of life, exudes a vibrancy and passion that is not only inspirational but also highly contagious. Maria does not dance only with her body but also with her heart and soul, encouraging others to tap into their unique rhythm and melody. The film communicates this quality of Maria effectively, making every viewer resonate with her spirit.

This film beautifully portrays the profound interaction between Maria and dance and her students. It is not just a dance documentary but an introspective reflection on life itself, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the liberating power of creativity, and the possibility of transformation through artistic expression.

"Danzar Con Maria" is, most importantly, an homage to Maria Fux, an undying beacon of inspiration, a dancing phoenix who, at ninety years old, still moves with the grace of a young ballerina and the wisdom of a sage. A beautiful celebration of life's dance, Fux lives every moment and teaches her students to do the same.