From Billy Elliot to Black Swan, dance has provided an intense backdrop to some of the big screen’s most emotional stories. Dancers, in turn, are inspired by films which revolve on their chosen calling. In this series, the artists of Ballet Manila share their thoughts on the dance movies that made an impact on them, that they relate to and which they have grown to love.
Any Body Can Dance (ABCD) was touted as “India’s first 3-D dance movie” when it was released in February 2013. But it wasn’t really this special come-on that endeared this film to Ballet Manila principal artist Gerardo Francisco.
Rather, it was the story that he felt an affinity for. How the main character Vishnu, a dancer/ choreographer, faces challenges as he forms and leads a group in a high-stakes dance competition. Being a dancer and choreographer himself, it is easy to see why Francisco relates to the character.
“He faces many struggles before becoming successful and in a way, that is similar to what I have also experienced,” he says.
Any Body Can Dance is in the same vein as Hollywood’s Step Up movies where young individuals must overcome difficulties – a disadvantageous personal circumstance, complicated relationships – amid the backdrop of a flashy dance competition.
Vishnu (played by Prabhudeva) forms his own dance crew after parting ways with his friend and former colleague Jehangir Khan (Kay Kay Menon). Vishnu goes about forming his own dance crew but realizes it’s no easy task as personalities clash, until finally the group gets its act together to get a shot at the contest. There is one final dramatic conflict when the members find out that their rival team has stolen their routine, just before they have to perform.
“What they did was, they changed the choreography on the spot. They didn’t give up. The result was even better than what they originally made,” Francisco relates. “What they did was take a traditional Indian dance, based on a festival, which they updated by using modern steps.”
He considers the last part of the movie as his favorite, as it is here when Vishnu manages to create a substitute piece for his group in a flash of inspiration. Francisco also enjoys the group’s dance tribute to a fallen colleague.
In the end, the competition judges enjoy the new routine because it provides a twist to a familiar dance. Not surprisingly, Vishnu’s group emerges as the winner.
“I really like the film because of its theme of never giving up and being creative, no matter what. Hindi siya nakakasawang panoorin (You don’t get tired of watching it),” Francisco says.