By Teresa Matuzak
The mini-documentary Dancing for Trust: Bremen from Battery Dance waltzes into a world of movement and abstract expressionism as students learn to tell their stories through dance.
Since 2006, Battery Dance has organized week-long camps that teach students in and around the German city of Bremen new dance techniques, expressions, and movements that allow them to tell their stories physically. Through clips and interviews, the film gives students the stage, allowing them to describe their empowering experience during the camp and show the captivating group dances they created.
What should also be acknowledged is Dancing for Trust: Bremen’s spectacular cinematography and lighting. The moving camera shots lure viewers into the film, and the lighting ensures that the spotlight always remains on the students, illuminating their journey through the camp.
While I enjoyed the film and the numerous dances displayed, I am disappointed that we did not learn more about how students were taught and the different activities that occurred during the camp. Obviously, they did a lot of dancing, but I believe some clips of the students being taught different exercises or techniques would help audiences better understand the teaching power Battery Dance provides to these students.
Overall score: 4/5 Stars
Teresa Matuzak is a student director entering her second year at DePaul University to earn her BFA in Film & Television. When not writing screenplays or directing films, she can be found playing Minecraft and binging on old TV shows.
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