Only When I Dance

Only When I Dance is an enlightening 2009 documentary, a heart-touching portrait of two young ballet dancers hailing from the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The film is a stirring combination of personal drama, the powerful spirit of ambition, and some breathtaking ballet sequences. Directed by Beadie Finzi, Only When I Dance tells a captivating story of Irlan Santos da Silva and Isabela Coracy Alves Nascimento Santos. The film showcases the immense talent and dedication of these two young individuals and the barriers they encounter while trying to make a name for themselves in the competitive world of ballet.

The film opens with a poignant view of the colorful and chaotic landscape of Rio de Janeiro, marked by the disparity of the sprawling slums, or favelas, set against the opulence of the cityscape. In the midst of poverty and hardship, both Irlan and Isabela, characters in their own stories, dream of escaping their socio-economic circumstances through the precise yet liberating dance form, ballet.

Irlan, a vivacious and driven teenager, possesses an extraordinary talent and a dream to dance with the American Ballet Theatre. He trains under the vigilant eye of his coach, Mariza Estrella. A former professional dancer herself, Mariza is a stalwart who believes that ballet can prove to be a golden ticket out of the favelas. As we follow Irlan, we quickly see the spark that sets him apart on stage and witness his journey across international competitions, facing a gamut of disappointments and triumphs.

Meanwhile, Isabela, another of Mariza's students, is equally passionate about ballet but faces an entirely distinct set of challenges. While Irlan has the physique that the ballet world demands, Isabela must struggle against the industry's discriminatory standards of beauty. Though she faces the more significant social and racial barriers and criticism about her body type, Isabela's resilience and dedication to her art form shine through, challenging the traditional ballet norms.

The film highlights the deeply rooted issues engrained in classical ballet - Profound racial and physical prejudices being among the most significant. Moreover, it portrays how these prejudices invariably affect the lives of these young, gifted dancers.

Only When I Dance adopts a simple yet moving storytelling format, underpinned by impeccable crafting by director Finzi and editor Felipe Lacerda. The film does not hold back in depicting the struggle, endeavor, and persistence involved in ballet dancing, exhibiting the meticulous training, the physical strain, and the constant strive toward perfection that defines a dancer's life.

The visual storytelling in this documentary is masterful. Finzi contrasts the vibrant, energetic dance rooms with grey, dull, and impoverished locations in the favelas, creating an emotional imagery that engages the audience. The capture of the incremental development of the dancers' skills, the mounting tension during auditions, competitions, and the catharsis of their performance captures the heart of the ballet world beautifully, carrying viewers through the highs and lows of the dancers' journeys. Everything is set to a rhythmic soundtrack that captures the spirit of Brazil, adding a dynamic pulse to the story on screen.

Importantly, Only When I Dance is an intimate portrayal of two young and dynamic individuals and their families, building a narrative that strikes a chord, irrespective of one's familiarity with ballet. With the optimistic spirit of the two dancers at its core, the film maintains a sense of hope and positivity.

In conclusion, Only When I Dance is a documentary marked by grace, emotion, and a deep-rooted sense of purpose. With a story seeped in courage and resilience, it peels back the curtain on an often-glamorized industry to reveal the truth of what it means to ride the tide of hardship in pursuit of a dream. Whether or not you are a ballet enthusiast, this film resonates on a universal level, reaching out to all who dare to dream in the face of adversity. It is an inspiring tale that underscores the power of passion and the human spirit's resilience. A must-watch for those who appreciate compelling stories of overcoming odds.