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If the Dancer Dances

Play trailer 1:46 Poster for If the Dancer Dances 2019 1h 23m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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93% Tomatometer 14 Reviews 93% Popcornmeter 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.

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If the Dancer Dances

Critics Reviews

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Leah Pickett Chicago Reader 08/16/2019
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. Go to Full Review Gary Goldstein Los Angeles Times 05/03/2019
Modern dance devotees and fans of legendary choreographer Merce Cunningham will find much to appreciate in the lovingly crafted documentary "If the Dancer Dances." Go to Full Review Frank Scheck The Hollywood Reporter 04/25/2019
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. Go to Full Review Angelica Frey Hyperallergic 02/25/2020
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. Go to Full Review Linda and Al Lerner Movies and Shakers 05/10/2019
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. Go to Full Review Jean Lowerison San Diego Gay & Lesbian News 05/03/2019
I found the film fascinating. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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01/04/2020 not interested in watching See more 12/27/2019 Excellent in every way. Truly a beautiful and inspiring movie. This is what creativity looks like. See more 05/05/2019 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. See more 05/02/2019 Amazing film about transmission and the creative process. See more 04/30/2019 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. See more 04/30/2019 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. See more Read all reviews
If the Dancer Dances

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Cast & Crew

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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

If the Dancer Dances: Trailer 1 If the Dancer Dances: Trailer 1 1:46 View more videos
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If the Dancer Dances

A scene from "If the Dancer Dances." A scene from "If the Dancer Dances." A scene from "If the Dancer Dances." A scene from "If the Dancer Dances." If the Dancer Dances (2018) If the Dancer Dances (2018) View more photos

Movie Info

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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