Watch Invitation to Dance

Invitation to Dance is a 2014 documentary film directed by Christian von Tippelskirch and Simi Linton (who also stars in the movie). The film explores the themes of exclusion, sexuality and disability, and it serves as a call to action for social change. The documentary features a mix of archival footage, interviews, and dance performances, which create a mesmerizing and thought-provoking experience for the audience.

Simi Linton, the film's co-director and central figure, suffered a spinal cord injury at the age of 23, which left her paralyzed from the waist down. In the movie, she shares her personal story and reflects on how her disability changed her perspective on the world. Through her story, she challenges the able-bodied world's views on disability and how we should approach the issue.

The documentary captures the world through Linton's eyes, providing a unique and refreshing perspective on what it means to be disabled in a world that caters to the able-bodied. By using dance as a vehicle to explore topics such as sex, love, and social justice, Linton highlights how disabled people are often excluded from these aspects of life. She also shares her experiences of being a disabled dancer and the challenges she has faced when it comes to finding physical and emotional spaces in a world that does not always understand her needs.

The documentary also features interviews with other disabled activists, including Lawrence Carter-Long, a self-described "disability justice advocate", and Carrie Sandahl, a professor and scholar of disability studies. These interviews provide further insight into the challenges that disabled individuals face and how we can create a more just and inclusive society.

One of the strengths of Invitation to Dance is its use of archival footage of disabled dancers and other performers. The film showcases the work of dancers such as Bill Shannon, who has built a career out of his unique style of crutch-based dance, and Kitty Lunn, a former ballerina who became paralyzed from the waist down after a car accident. These dancers challenge our understandings of what is possible and how we can embrace the beauty in diversity, both in terms of bodies and artistic expression.

The music and dance sequences are also a highlight of the movie. The film features a diverse range of musical genres, including hip hop, ballroom, and contemporary dance, which add depth and texture to the ideas explored in the movie. The use of dance as a form of expression is a powerful tool in challenging the status quo and promoting social change, and the film does an excellent job of showcasing the power of artistic expression.

Overall, Invitation to Dance is a moving and thought-provoking film that challenges our preconceived notions about what it means to be disabled. The documentary is not just a call to action for social change, but it's also a celebration of the beauty and diversity of the human experience. Linton's personal story and the stories of the other disabled individuals featured in the film are a testament to the resilience and creativity of the human spirit. Through dance, music, and dialogue, Invitation to Dance is an invitation to challenge our assumptions and embrace the beauty in diversity.

Invitation to Dance is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes.