Turn Ons: Besides the fact that the dancing and cinematography were impeccably stunning, this film reminded me of the power of dance in my life as an expressive outlet; one that's allowed me to comfortably explore, express and work through the emotions of my divorce when I couldn't articulate them with words.
Turn Offs: The film seemed a tad disjointed to me. But perhaps I'll just have to go see it again in case the thru-line went over my head. After all, I was caught up in the emotions of it all.
Rate My Date:
- Not My Type
- 1 Night Stand
- Crush
- In Love
Happily Ever After
This was definitely worth the $15 ticket price and the schlep to BAM Rose Cinemas in Fort Green, Brooklyn. It's elegant architecture, spotless theater and delicious popcorn offered a comfy and sophisticated IndieDate night for an indie film buff like myself.
PINA, a feature-length dance film in 3D with the ensemble of the Tanztheater Wuppertal, created such a vivid experience of texture, color, emotion, feeling, facial expression, simple gesture and explosive movement. It was as if I were onstage with the dancers, feeling everything they were feeling. I experienced the intensity of their longing, sadness, anger, pain, joy and whimsy as much as the environmental props (water, dirt, grass) that were intricately weaved into their storytelling.
The complexities of each story, relationship and emotion coursed through their veins and seeped through their pores before combusting into what otherwise might've seemed like a series of abstract movements, had they not evoked such a visceral response. Every facial expression, movement and gesture had such penetrating meaning. Pina was all about honesty and details. In fact, she encouraged her dancers to constantly search for greater truth and purpose. As a result, they had me captivated on an emotional journey with tears welling up behind my 3D glasses and my gut vacillating between anxiety and calm. This, I was reminded, is the power of dance! Not just a showcase of physical skill; but movementexpression where one's body creates a distinct language to communicate in a way that is, at times, more intelligible than the spoken word. Pina spoke my truth when she said "Dance, dance, otherwise we are lost." This is why I dance. It is the medium through which I "find" myself while exploring and expressing my truths, feelings and emotions. Dance is my power source and comfort zone.
I am so grateful to Pina and for the filmmaker for reminding me of the vastness of my potential for healing self-expression... through dance!
Brooklyn Academy of Music/BAM Rose Cinemas
30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Getting There By Subway:
- 2, 3, 4, 5, B, Q to Atlantic Avenue
- D, M, N, R to Pacific Street
- C to Lafayette Avenue
- G to Fulton Street
