If the Dancer Dances

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1:46

If the Dancer Dances

Released Apr 26, 2019

1h 23m

Documentary

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Popcornmeter

93%

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14 Reviews

93%

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

Stephen Petronio, one of today's leading dance-makers, is determined to help his dancers breathe new life into "RainForest," an iconic 1968 work by choreographer Merce Cunningham. With help from three members of the former Cunningham company, Petronio's dancers strive to restage this work, revealing what it takes to keep a dance -- and a legacy -- alive.

Leah Pickett

Chicago Reader

The film may not compare to seeing RainForest in its purest form, live and sans context, but no matter: dance nerds and visual art obsessives will find much to appreciate.

Aug 16, 2019

Full Review

Gary Goldstein

Los Angeles Times

Modern dance devotees and fans of legendary choreographer Merce Cunningham will find much to appreciate in the lovingly crafted documentary "If the Dancer Dances."

May 3, 2019

Full Review

Frank Scheck

The Hollywood Reporter

Although repetitive at times and, like so many show business documentaries, displaying a tendency toward self-congratulation, the film will prove fascinating for dance buffs.

Apr 25, 2019

Full Review

Angelica Frey

Hyperallergic

If the Dancer Dances is reminiscent of witnessing a philologist or literary translator at play, trying to get into the mindset of someone who works in a different language.

Feb 25, 2020

Full Review

Linda and Al Lerner

Movies and Shakers

Director Maia Wechsler and her editor Mary Manhardt stayed on point with a difficult editing job to make this film hang together. It is almost too repititious...If you're not into dance particularly modern dance, this might not be for you.

May 10, 2019

Full Review

Jean Lowerison

San Diego Gay & Lesbian News

I found the film fascinating.

May 3, 2019

Full Review

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Audience Member

not interested in watching

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/02/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Excellent in every way. Truly a beautiful and inspiring movie. This is what creativity looks like.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/05/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Incredibly insightful look at the heritage and preservation of dance. A poignant discussion of dance and dance education by renowned dancers and choreographers. Beautifully edited too.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/15/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Amazing film about transmission and the creative process.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

Full Review

Audience Member

One of the best dance films I have ever seen, and THE best film I have ever seen about the process of creating -- or in this case, re-creating a dance. This is a must-see movie for all true dance lovers. It is beautiful, serious, and human.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/13/23

Full Review

Audience Member

i'm not a dance person but i LOVED this film! maia wechsler is a great storyteller who provides us with an incredible look behind the curtain at the work that goes into making art.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/10/23

Full Review

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Maia Wechsler

Director

Lise Friedman

Producer

Maia Wechsler

Producer

Eric Phillips-Horst

Cinematographer

Alex Rappoport

Cinematographer

Victoria Sendra

Cinematographer

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If the Dancer Dances: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Stephen Petronio, one of today's leading dance-makers, is determined to help his dancers breathe new life into "RainForest," an iconic 1968 work by choreographer Merce Cunningham. With help from three members of the former Cunningham company, Petronio's dancers strive to restage this work, revealing what it takes to keep a dance -- and a legacy -- alive.

Director: Maia Wechsler
Producer: Lise Friedman, Maia Wechsler
Distributor: Monument Releasing
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 26, 2019, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 25, 2019
Box Office (Gross USA): $5.0K
Runtime: 1h 23m

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