DVD Review: Ballroom Dancer

Ballroom Dancer is a documentary film following professional competitor Slavik Kryklyvyy. Slavik was once on top of the world with Joanna Leunis, until a hip injury put him out of competition.

Ten years on, 34 year-old Slavik now wants to return to competition. He has a new partner, Anna Melnikova, and the pair are a couple off the floor as well as on.

The film is really interesting. Slavik's drive is obvious. He lives to dance. He wants nothing but perfection from Anna, who has only recently made the jump from the amateur to the professional circuit. But he also has a tendency to brood and not let anyone, especially Anna, know what he is thinking.

The film provides a real insight into the lives of a professional couple. The most interesting thing is how the couple's partnership evolves as their personal relationship changes. Some dancers produce their best work while their personal relationships are in turmoil (Vincent & Flavia's Kissing You waltz, for example).

The best part is the way the film is produced. There is no narration, except excerpts from radio reports. We are left to just observe and absorb.

The only extra on the DVD is the trailer, which you can watch here:




Ballroom Dancer was released on 11th February. 

Big thanks to the nice people at Dogwoof.