STEP

STEP is a 2017 documentary film directed by Amanda Lipitz that chronicles the journey of a high school step team in Baltimore against the backdrop of a city fraught with deep racial and socio-economic tensions. With Gari McIntyre, Amanda Leonard, and Blessin Giraldo in pivotal roles, the film inherently provides a powerful testament to the resilience, determination, and sisterhood of a group of young Black women set to defy expectations and overcome adversities.

The movie pivots around the senior year of the girls in the step dance team named 'The Lethal Ladies' from the Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women (BLSYW). The step team is mentored by Gari McIntyre, commonly referred to as 'Coach G', and school counselor Amanda Leonard. These individuals play key roles in guiding, mentoring and encouraging the young girls towards achieving not just their academic goals but also in their journey through the emotionally empowering medium of dance. Blessin Giraldo, founding member of the team and one of the film’s key characters, exhibits exceptional leadership as the team's captain.

Rather than focusing solely on the competitive aspect of the step dance, the documentary delves deep into the personal lives of these young women and their respective battles. Each central character handles unique challenges - whether academic difficulties, serious family issues, or their own insecurities. In the film, step dance emerges as an outlet; a form of creative expression through which the team members voice their frustrations, hopes, and dreams. The rigorous synchronization and commanding stomp of their performances bear the signature of their collective strength, as well as their individual struggles and triumphs.

Gari McIntyre, or 'Coach G', shines in her role as the unwavering pillar of support for these girls. Apart from step dance lessons, she goes beyond her designated role to instill in them values of discipline, teamwork, and the importance of education. It is her firm belief in their potential, regardless of their backgrounds and past mistakes, that lends an inspiring resilience to the team, lighting their way towards achievement.

Another guiding beacon for these girls is the school counselor, Amanda Leonard. She works tirelessly to ensure that all girls from the graduating class get into college, fighting for scholarship opportunities and constantly chasing deadlines. In her, we see an unsung hero, a relentless advocate committed to providing the best for the BLSYW girls. Through all the drama, suspense, and final celebration; Leonard remains a constant champion, reminding them always to step forward and never backward.

While STEP does phenomenally well in highlighting the crucial influence of Coach G and Leonard, it’s the raw energy and personal struggles of the step team members, especially Blessin Giraldo, that form the heart and soul of the documentary. As the team's captain, Blessin's journey is filled with ups and downs, mirroring the broader Baltimore reality. From personal and academic woes to self-esteem issues, her story is both humbling and inspiring.

Each stomping step that the Lethal Ladies take on the stage isn’t just a dance move but a statement - of resistance against inequality, dreams beyond socio-economic boundaries, and an assertion of their right to success, despite their origin in Baltimore’s less privileged quarters. STEP celebrates the culmination of their collective spirit, grit, and unwavering faith.

The documentary has been directed with such heartfelt empathy that you can't help but cheer for these girls, feel their spirit, and become part of their journey. The film goes beyond merely reporting the events of their lives, instead, it captures their inner world and sentiments with palpable sensitivity.

Intrinsic to STEP's narrative is its backdrop - the city of Baltimore, known for its economic divides and racial tension. The daily adversities experienced by North American black communities are laid bare, yet STEP keeps falling into despair at bay, choosing instead to focus on the girls' small victories and their ability to persevere and aspire for more.

To summarize, STEP leaves the viewer mesmerized with its powerful exhibition of resilience and determination. It teaches viewers that regardless of where they come from, they have the ability to step up and change the course of their lives. The film embodies the spirit of hope, strength, tenacity, and the transformative power of education and dance. It is a must-watch for its raw emotion, inherent inspiration, and compelling narrative.