Watch If The Dancer Dances

If The Dancer Dances is a captivating documentary-style film that delves into the making of an elaborate recreation of one of the most famous dance pieces in history: Merce Cunningham's "Rainforest". The movie follows the critically acclaimed dancer and choreographer Stephen Petronio and his dance company as they embark on the challenging task of recreating the 1968 classic, "Rainforest". The original piece was an avant-garde dance masterpiece that was created by Cunningham and Andy Warhol. The piece featured a colorful and dynamic set design by the famous pop artist, which included metallic balloons hovering above the dancers.

The film captures Petronio's journey as he gathers a group of experienced dancers to interpret and embody the complex and abstract movements of the original piece. The dancers include Davalois Fearon, Gino Grenek, and Meg Harper, who bring their unique talents and perspectives to the project.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is its emphasis on the creative process. The audience gets to witness the dancers and Petronio working together to recreate the original dance piece from scratch. The process involves extensive research, experimentation, and collaboration between the dancers and various artists involved in creating the set design, costumes, and lighting.

Throughout the movie, we get to see the intricate details of the dancers' training and rehearsals. The filmmakers use a beautiful mixture of close-ups, slow motion shots, and various angles, allowing the audience to experience the movement and emotions of the dancers up close.

One of the most impressive aspects of the movie is how it captures the essence of Cunningham's choreography. The original piece was known for its intricate and unconventional movements, which were inspired by Cunningham's fascination with chance operations and randomness. The film does an excellent job of showcasing how Petronio and his team bring these elements to life in a modern context.

Another interesting aspect of the film is how it explores the legacy of Cunningham's work. The filmmakers interview various dancers, choreographers, and scholars who share their insights on the impact that Cunningham's work has had on modern dance. The audience gets a glimpse into the world of contemporary dance and how it has evolved over the years.

If The Dancer Dances is a must-see movie for dance enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates art and creativity. The film is an inspiring tribute to the power of collaboration, dedication, and passion for one's craft. The movie beautifully captures the spirit of Merce Cunningham's work and showcases how it continues to inspire new generations of dancers and choreographers.

If The Dancer Dances is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 63.