I Dream of Dance

I Dream of Dance is a life-affirming, 2017 documentary film that pushes the boundaries of dance, spotlighting the journeys of a group of young, vibrant dancers and their fearless and visionary coach. This inspiring documentary delves into the world of dance, demonstrating how this art form can act as a significant platform for personal transformation and collective connection.

The film features acclaimed dance personalities Chantel Aguirre, Trinity Bonilla, and Stephen 'tWitch' Boss known for his remarkable performances on "So You Think You Can Dance" and as the DJ on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show". The movie was directed by Maria Demeshkina Peek, who ensures that every scene captures the grace, intensity, and emotional depth of the dance.

At the heart of I Dream of Dance is Denise Wall, one of America's foremost dance teachers, and her dance studio. She is a force of nature, a trailblazer who transformed her personal struggles into a life-combusted by passion for dance. Her tireless devotion and undying love for dance have been instrumental in building some of the most celebrated dancers in the United States today, including her dance-prodigy son, Travis Wall, a two-time Emmy Award winner.

The narrative follows Denise, her team of talented instructors, and a group of students ranging from novices to seasoned pros, as they gear up for their biggest national competition. As they prepare, the film takes us behind the scenes, offering an intimate look at the physical and emotional dedication it takes to build a dancer. From the gruelling, blood-and-sweat practicing sessions to the thrill of the competitive stage, every frame is a testament to these performers' profound commitment to their craft.

Denise's extraordinary methods, innate talent for tapping into the individual's emotional core, and unmatched passion for mentoring young dancers are wonderfully captured in breathtaking sequences. The film demonstrates a rare insight into her pedagogical genius, revealing how she tailors her approach to guide each student through complex technical and emotive aspects of dance.

Chantel Aguirre, Trinity Bonilla and Stephen Boss play key roles in the movie, each bringing their unique energy and individual narrative. The performances are uniformly engaging, each delving deeper into what makes a dancer's journey unique yet united in the pursuit of excellence.

Chantel Aguirre, a leading talent in the collective dance world, brings an impressive acumen of technique and grace to the screen, serving as an inspiration for the younger dancers. Trinity Bonilla, a burgeoning dancer, navigates the challenges and joys of learning dance, providing a valuable perspective on the importance of discipline, resilience, and the transformative power of dance. Stephen 'tWitch' Boss, with his dynamic charisma and masterful footwork, helps illustrate the vast possibilities that can open up for dancers with the right kind of guidance.

I Dream of Dance follows these dancers' personal challenges and triumphs, adding a relatable human element to the visually enchanting passages of the dance. It underscores the motivational spirit of dance, exploring how the journey towards a dance competition can reveal strength of character, and how the dance studio serves as a safe space for these performers to express their emotions and aspirations freely.

The film is set against a dynamic score, adding another dimension to the dance sequences, and offers an appeal not just to dance enthusiasts but to anyone who appreciates stories of human resilience, determination, and the pursuit of dreams. The movie brings the audience an overwhelming sense of the awe-inspiring beauty, the cathartic strain, and the elevating joy that dance can bring.

I Dream of Dance is a tribute to the artistry of dance, with its thrilling, glitz-and-glam competitions serving as the backdrop. It is also a study of the human spirit - the talent, grit and passion required to nurture a dream, to overcome personal hurdles, and to bring that dream into a tangible reality.

Deeply moving, inspiringly beautiful, and immeasurably poignant, I Dream of Dance is not just about the world of dance; it's an exploration of the human soul's yearning to express, to connect, and to find its truth.