7 Dance Films to Watch During Black History Month
Looking for a creative way to celebrate Black History Month? How about a dance-themed movie night with your friends and family? In our list below, we outlined 7 dance-related movies you should watch this month. From documentaries to concert-films, this list is sure to have something that’ll pique your interest. The movies are listed in no particular order.
1. First Position
This documentary follows six young dancers, ages 9-19, as they train for the Youth America Grand Prix. Dancers who make it to the competition’s finals have five minutes on stage to impress judges and recruiters from top ballet companies. Their performance may result in scholarship winnings or job opportunities. The dancers in the film come from a wide range of diverse backgrounds. Michaela DePrince, who was 14 in the documentary, is a Black ballerina from Sierra Leone, Africa. She is also the author of her memoir, Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina. You can watch the First Position trailer here.
2. Dancing in the Light: The Janet Collins Story
When Janet Collins auditioned with Ballet Russe in 1934, the company requested that she paint her face to lighten her skin tone for performances. She refused, and went on to become the first African-American prima ballerina with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet. Dancing in the Light: The Janet Collins Story, follows her life as she makes history in the dance industry. The movie, narrated by actor Chris Rock, is a project from the non-profit organization Sweet Blackberry. Founded by Karyn Parsons, the organization works to creatively share stories of prominent figures in Black history. Learn more here.
Related: What Janet Collins Taught Us About Integrity and Abundance
3. Ailey
Told in his own words, Ailey is a documentary published in 2021 that follows the life of prolific ballet trailblazer Alvin Ailey. Throughout the film, he reflects on the milestones in his life that lead him where he is today, including the creation of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. You can watch the trailer here.
4. Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé
When Beyoncé Knowles launched her Netflix special Homecoming in 2019, fans gathered around their living room TVs to watch her energetic, 2018 Coachella performance. The 2-hour concert film features rehearsal footage, behind-the-scenes clips, and intimate snapshots of Beyoncé’s personal life. The performance itself paid homage to HBCU culture while including a large team of young Black artists, marching bands and dancers. You can watch the trailer here.
5. A Ballerina’s Tale
This documentary follows the journey of Misty Copeland as she discusses her passion for ballet and the challenges she has faced along the way. She also examines racial discrimination and body shaming in the ballet world. Finally, the documentary covers Misty’s experience facing a potentially career-ending injury and how she recovered from it. You can watch the trailer here.
6. Free to Dance: The African American Presence in Modern Dance
Free to Dance is a three-part documentary that emphasizes the role of Black choreographers and dancers in the development of modern dance. With a spotlight on the political, cultural, and social circumstances that hindered Black expressive art, this documentary sheds perspective on how much the dance industry has slowly been molded over the years. You might be able to find this documentary at your local library, although episodes can also easily be found on YouTube.
7. Tap World
Tap World offers an international study on the world of tap dancing. The documentary features tap dancers from around the world as they share personal stories about their inspirations and challenges, as well as the impact they hope to make in their communities through tap dancing. You can watch the trailer here.
Each of these dance films is sure to offer insight and inspiration while helping you learn more about prominent people and aspects of ballet.