Embracing Tradition and Identity: A Dance of Passion in And Then We Danced (2019)

Genres: Drama, Romance

Runtime: 1h 53m

Directors: Levan Akin

Writers: Levan Akin

Story By: -N/A

Stars Cast: Levan Gelbakhiani, Bachi Valishvili

Producers: Mathilde Dedye, Ketie Danelia

Release Date: 13 September 2019

IMDB Rating: 7.6/10

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 94%

JustWatch Rating: 79%

Box Office Collection: $580,075

Famous Quotes: “There’s no room for weakness in Georgian dance.”

Where to Watch: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, Microsoft Store

Welcome, fellow dance enthusiasts and cinema aficionados, to a rhythmic journey through ‘And Then We Danced’ (2019)! Prepare to cha-cha your way into a tale that blends tradition with the pulsating beats of contemporary passion.

In this captivating film, director Levan Akin casts a spotlight on Merab, a spirited dancer whose world turns upside down when a new arrival, Irakli, joins the prestigious Georgian National Ensemble. What ensues is not just a clash of talent and technique but a dance-off that unravels personal identities and cultural conventions with every twirl and dip.

Set against the backdrop of Tbilisi, the heart of Georgia, this movie isn’t just about fancy footwork—it’s a symphony of emotions wrapped in the intricate steps of Georgian dance. As Merab navigates the demands of tradition and his burgeoning feelings, we’re taken on a whirlwind journey of self-discovery, sprinkled with humor, heartache, and a dash of rebellious spirit.

Introduction to the film: Brief overview of And Then We Danced (2019).

“And Then We Danced” (2019), directed by Levan Akin, offers a poignant exploration of tradition, identity, and self-discovery through the art of dance. Set in the vibrant city of Tbilisi, Georgia, the film follows Merab, a young dancer training with the Georgian National Ensemble. Merab’s disciplined life takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of Irakli, a talented and rebellious dancer who becomes both his rival and his object of desire.

Against the backdrop of Georgian traditional dance, known for its rigorous technique and rich cultural heritage, “And Then We Danced” intricately weaves a narrative that challenges societal norms and explores the complexities of personal freedom. As Merab and Irakli navigate their budding relationship amid the pressures of a conservative environment, the film confronts themes of passion, identity, and the quest for authenticity.

Akin’s direction skillfully blends intimate storytelling with visually stunning dance sequences, capturing the emotional intensity of each movement. Through its raw portrayal of love and longing, “And Then We Danced” emerges as a powerful testament to the transformative power of art and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Cultural and Geographical Context

• Setting the Stage: Tbilisi, the heart of Georgia, serves as more than just a backdrop—it’s a character in itself, steeped in history and tradition. The city’s streets and landscapes provide a rich tapestry against which the narrative unfolds.
• Georgian Dance: Central to the film is Georgian traditional dance, known for its precise movements and emotional depth. Akin beautifully integrates these dance forms into the storyline, showcasing their cultural significance and artistic expression.

Cast Characters and Performances And Then We Danced (2019)

Levan Gelbakhiani as Merab

• Character: A young, aspiring Georgian dancer who is dedicated to his art and part of a traditional dance company. His life is turned upside down when he develops feelings for a new dancer.
• Performance: Gelbakhiani delivers a deeply emotional and compelling performance as Merab. His portrayal captures the character’s passion, vulnerability, and the internal conflict between his desires and societal expectations. His dance performances are both technically impressive and emotionally charged.

Bachi Valishvili as Irakli

• Character: A charismatic and talented dancer who joins Merab’s dance company and becomes the object of Merab’s romantic interest.
• Performance: Valishvili provides a magnetic performance, portraying Irakli with charm and intensity. His presence adds to the film’s exploration of desire and rivalry, and his chemistry with Gelbakhiani is central to the film’s emotional depth.

Ana Javakishvili as Mary

• Character: A close friend and fellow dancer who supports Merab and becomes involved in his struggles.
• Performance: Javakishvili delivers a supportive and empathetic performance. Her role adds to the film’s depiction of the dance community and the personal relationships that impact Merab’s journey.

Kakha Kintsurashvili as George

• Character: The head of the dance company and a figure of authority in the ballet world.
• Performance: Kintsurashvili’s performance is authoritative and nuanced, reflecting George’s role in shaping the dance company and his interactions with Merab and other dancers. His character adds to the film’s exploration of power dynamics and professional pressures.

Lika Babluani as Natia

• Character: A dancer who is part of the company and has a professional relationship with Merab.
• Performance: Babluani provides a subtle but effective portrayal, contributing to the film’s depiction of the dynamics within the dance company and Merab’s interactions with his colleagues.

Giorgi Tsereteli as Dato

• Character: Another dancer in the company who interacts with Merab and is part of the professional and social network of the dance world.
• Performance: Tsereteli’s role, though smaller, adds to the film’s portrayal of the dance community and the various relationships and rivalries within it.

Nino Kirtadze as Lika

• Character: A minor character who is involved in the dance world and interacts with Merab and other dancers.
• Performance: Kirtadze’s performance contributes to the film’s ensemble and highlights the broader context of the dance community.

Dito Tsintsadze as Nika

• Character: A friend of Merab who provides support and perspective on his situation.
• Performance: Tsintsadze delivers a solid performance, adding to the film’s exploration of friendship and support in the face of personal challenges.

Plot Breakdown

• Narrative Arc: The film unfolds as Merab strives for excellence within the Georgian National Ensemble while grappling with his attraction to Irakli, who becomes both a source of inspiration and a catalyst for change.
• Conflict and Resolution: Akin skillfully weaves themes of tradition versus modernity, duty versus personal happiness, culminating in a climactic dance competition that serves as a metaphorical battleground for Merab’s inner turmoil.

Themes Explored

• Identity and Tradition: “And Then We Danced” confronts the tension between individual identity and cultural heritage, highlighting the pressures faced by young Georgians torn between tradition and personal expression.
• LGBTQ+ Representation: The film boldly addresses queer identity in a conservative society, portraying Merab and Irakli’s relationship with sensitivity and authenticity, shedding light on the complexities of navigating love and acceptance.

Visual and Cinematic Style

• Directorial Vision: Akin’s direction imbues the film with intimacy and emotional depth, capturing the raw emotion of dance through close-ups and fluid camerawork that mirror the grace and intensity of Georgian choreography.
• Soundtrack and Atmosphere: The film’s soundtrack, featuring traditional Georgian music interspersed with contemporary tracks, enhances the narrative’s emotional resonance, creating a sensory experience that immerses the audience in Merab’s world.

Critical Reception and Impact

• Critical Acclaim: “And Then We Danced” garnered widespread acclaim for its authenticity, storytelling, and performances, establishing Akin as a filmmaker to watch and elevating the visibility of Georgian cinema on the international stage.
• Cultural Impact: The film sparked discussions on LGBTQ+ rights and representation in Georgia, contributing to broader conversations about acceptance and diversity within Eastern European societies.

Conclusion

“And Then We Danced” (2019) stands as a testament to the power of art and storytelling to transcend cultural barriers and illuminate the universal human experience. Through its compelling narrative and exquisite choreography, the film invites audiences to reflect on the complexities of identity, the pursuit of passion, and the enduring influence of tradition in shaping our lives. Akin’s masterful direction and the stellar performances of Gelbakhiani and Valishvili combine to create a cinematic journey that is both captivating and thought-provoking. As we celebrate the beauty of Georgian dance and the resilience of individuals striving for authenticity, “And Then We Danced” remains a poignant reminder of the transformative power of embracing who we truly are, regardless of societal expectations or constraints.