At 16 minutes, Marta Renzi's documentary film, Where The Dance Is (2009) offers just a glimpse of choreographer/dance instructor Doug Elkins's work with students of Manhattan's Beacon School. But it's a very nice glimpse, and I especially appreciate the understated way in which Renzi demonstrates how a teacher, with confidence in the value of artistic uncertainty, can make space for students to arrive at their own collaborative solutions.
Amid brief interview clips, we watch the kids learn to put creative twists on their gymnastic tricks and even tackle some safe-enough, Streb-inspired moves. Elkins marvels at how the work brings out positive swagger and a strong sense of identity in these teens.
Where The Dance Is is an official selection of the 2010 NYC Downtown Short Film Festival, to be screened on April 26 at the Duo Theatre. For further information and ticketing, click here.
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