Dance is a universal language that has the power to move people emotionally, physically, and spiritually. For children, dance is especially powerful. It offers an outlet for creative expression, physical activity, and an emotional release. Dancing helps children develop skills, coordination, balance, and agility. Beyond the physical benefits, dance also helps children develop a sense of self-confidence and self-esteem, as they learn to take risks, make mistakes, and collaborate with others.
Former professional dancer, teacher and filmmaker Dan Watt has been exploring the power of dance for children with disabilities in his debut film Everybody Dance. The documentary follows 5 kids with different disabilities, their families and dance teacher for almost a year as they prepare for a dance recital.
Everybody Dance has received support from prima ballerina Misty Copeland and has been showcased on the Kelly Clarkson show in the US. Dan Watt shares his experience of making this inspiring documentary.
What inspired you to make the Everybody Dance documentary?
My initial idea was to see how the determination, dedication and commitment to studying the arts could be applied in every day life. I am a former dancer and dance teacher and I had a dream about two girls I taught maybe 16/17 yrs ago. They happen to have autism – I did not know much about autism so I just taught the class as I always did and realized that nothing had to be changed in my teaching style and method.
I did however chat with Fran, the mom, to see if there were any specifics that I was not aware of and to educate myself and she did actually tell me that one of the girls had sensory sensitivities and sensitive to touch and to not worry about physically adjusting her arms etc just continue to show her. All kids will pick up certain dance steps at their own pace so I corrected every child when needed and carried on.
A week or so later I had another dream about Fran and her two daughters and I thought, this is a higher power poking me saying “THIS is your Movie” …. So I trusted myself and stated my journey and here we are.
When making the film, what was the most surprising or unexpected moment you experienced?
Actually the moment didn’t happen while filming, it happened BECAUSE I had been filming. After about 4 months of filming I went to Target to do some shopping. As I was walking down one of the isles there was a child having a tantrum on the floor, I walked by and thought, I wonder if she’s on the spectrum and just continued shopping – I didn’t think “what a horrible child” or “why isn’t that parent doing anything”.
When I got in my car I started to cry, I realised that a switch in my brain had been flipped – my perspective had been changed and if my film could do that for others, I had accomplished my goal.
If there was one message you hope people take away from the film, what would it be?
Focus on the similarities. All these kids came together with one main goal, to dance. Everyone focused on accomplishing this – learn the steps and choreography – We all come upon obstacles in our lives that we have to work our way through – Some may experience the world in different ways and if we embrace this it actually can help us see the wonders of dancing to our own rhythm yet still dance together.
What impact do you hope the documentary has on the dance industry?
That inclusion and accessibility are crucial. As dancers we are artists, we create, push boundaries, explore and even educate. It is in our blood …Let’s use those instincts and our creativity in ways that include and embrace all. Some may experience the world in different ways and if we embrace this it actually can help us see the wonders of dancing to our own rhythm yet still dance together.
Where can people watch Everybody Dance?
In the Europe and Australia it’s available on iTunes, GooglePlay, Amazon Prime. For the USA audience in addition you can find it on also AppleTV, Vudu.