Move

Move is a remarkable 2020 documentary series brought to you by the streaming giant, Netflix. This series is a tribute, a celebration of the power and beauty of dance, reaching out to audiences around the globe. It transcends geographical boundaries and effectively connects people through the universal language of movement. Although it features in the category of documentaries, it springs art to life through dance. Meticulously crafted, this mini-series comprises five episodes, each shining a light on the life, struggles, triumphs, and the unique dance styles of five extraordinary dancers.

Stemming from an array of backgrounds, the strengths of these dancers lie in their dedication, discipline, and devotion to their craft, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of dance through their personal stories. Directed by Thierry Demaizière and Alban Teurlai, the series is a compelling watch, revealing to us the immense power of dance, allowing us to perceive it not just as an art form, but as a means of self-expression, identity manifestation, and a tool to break free from societal norms.

While some of the dancers in the series are faces familiar to those already immersed in the dance world, they may not be well known to casual viewers. However, the series presents a fantastic opportunity to dive deeper into these individuals’ lives, understand their backgrounds, aspirations, and the obstacles they've overcome. Dance enthusiasts and novices alike will be inspired by the stories and the raw passion of these dancers.

The series starts by featuring Jon Boogz, a significant figure in the world of contemporary street dance, bridging the gap between the stage and the street with his fluid, powerful style and socially conscious themes. Similarly, the series features the potent, earth-shattering choreography of Israel’s Ohad Naharin, the Israeli dance guru had circumvented the norm to create his own unique genre, 'Gaga', founded on the principles of healing and transformation.

In parallel, we are exposed to the lives of trailblazers like Kimiko Versatile in Jamaica, whose fervor for dancehall and dedication to empowering women through dance will ignite a fire in your heart. Following this, the series takes us to Spain to introduce us to Flamenco Maestro, Rocío Molina, whose intuitive, passionate, and avant-garde performances will leave audiences entranced. Lastly, the series culminates with the incredible story of acclaimed Canadian ballet dancer, Akram Khan. Khan's mastery of classical ballet is infused with elements from the Indian Kathak tradition, resulting in a mesmerizing hybrid style.

Move is not solely a showcase of stunning choreographies; it poses profound questions about the significance of dance as an art form, as a means of self-expression, and as an ethnographic language. It highlights the dichotomies between tradition and modernity, masculinity and femininity, pain, and pleasure, and how these pairs are reconciled on the dance floor.

Despite a shared love for dance, each featured artist has a unique perspective on their art form and its place in society. This diversity in attitudes and styles seeps through their choreographies, making the whole viewing experience a visual treat for the audience.

Each episode in the series has been thoughtfully and beautifully filmed. The interviews are interspersed with glossy dance sequences, capturing the essence of the dancers during mesmerizing performances. The chosen settings are equally captivating and complement the dancers' energy while bringing their vivid dance narratives to life.

For anyone with a love for dance, art, or just a penchant for compelling stories, Move offers an invitation into the private lives of artists and a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of life as a professional dancer. It reiterates the fact that just like any other art form, dance is also a beautiful medium of storytelling that goes way beyond entertainment.

Ultimately, Move is a poignant and engrossing series that pays homage to dance as an art form, its traditions, its heritage, and also its ability to evolve, innovate, and inspire. So, brace yourselves to embark on this rhythmic journey that will leave you profoundly moved and deeply touched.