High Strung Free Dance

High Strung Free Dance is a captivating 2016 dance film directed by Michael Damian and stars Jane Seymour, Thomas Doherty, and Ace Bhatti. This second installment in the High Strung movie series was initially screened at a few film festivals before finally being released nationwide in October 2019. The film was lauded for its vibrant storytelling, electrifying dance performances, and memorable original music.

Noted for its vibrant and stirring celebration of the human spirit, High Strung Free Dance tells a gripping story of passion, drive, and overcoming obstacles to achieve one's dreams. Set against the backdrop of the New York City arts scene, the narrative revolves around two young aspiring dancers who are on the brink of realizing their dreams but are beset with personal and professional challenges that they must surmount.

Our protagonists are Barlow, portrayed by talented dancer-actress Juliet Doherty, and Charlie, enacted by the dynamic Harry Jarvis. Barlow is a contemporary dancer, while Charlie is an innovative pianist. Their paths cross when they both find an opportunity to showcase their talent in an upcoming Broadway show, Free Dance. The show is choreographed by the innovative and highly demanding Zander Raines, played by Thomas Doherty.

Zander is an intense, exciting, and eccentric choreographer who stops at nothing to deliver the best Broadway show New York has ever seen. When he spots Barlow's potential during an open audition, he is quick to team her up with Charlie. What begins as a professional relationship soon develops into a complex love triangle, complicating their lives on and off the stage.

On the one hand, there is Barlow, determined to prove her worth and succeed in the exceptionally competitive world of professional dance. Her journey is further complicated by her complex relationship with her overbearing and overprotective mother Oksana, played by the splendid Jane Seymour. Seymour's nurturing yet emotionally charged performance delivers a powerful portrayal of unwavering parental support and ambition.

Charlie, on the other hand, is a subway busker whose dream has always been to perform his music to a larger audience. However, the journey to fame is not necessarily a smooth one. As he navigates the pressures of the demanding world of theater, along with his deepest feelings for Barlow, he is confronted with difficult choices of love, loyalty, and personal fulfillment.

The film also explores the underbelly of the competitive realm of professional dance, revealing the sweat, sacrifice, and dedication it demands. It provides a critique of the industry while, at the same time, showcasing its glamorous and exciting side.

In High Strung Free Dance, the character dynamics drive an engaging and emotionally complex story. The film is indeed a love story, but it also explores themes of ambition, sacrifice, and the sheer will to succeed against all odds.

Critical to the success of this narrative, the movie features outstanding performances by a talented cast. At the heart of the movie, the romantic tension between Barlow, Charlie and Zander keeps the audience engaged and intrigued. The overarching narrative of personal and creative struggles is brought to life with resounding emotional integrity by these talented actors.

However, the essence of the movie lies in its awe-inspiring dance sequences and the breathtaking choreography. Every dance performance is exquisitely designed, showcasing a diverse range of dance styles - contemporary, ballet, street dance, and more. The performances are heightened by the film's rich musical score, where classical and contemporary music beautifully meld together – the music and dance aren't just elements in the film; they create the very fabric of the narrative, making it a real visual and auditory feast.

In conclusion, High Strung Free Dance is a mesmerizing mix of passionate dance performances, potent emotional drama, and heartwarming romance. It is a must-watch for all dance lovers, theater enthusiasts, and those who love compelling stories of ambition, struggle, and the passion for achieving one's dreams. It's a film that underscores the beauty and strength of the human spirit and the quintessential need to communicate through art, love, and dance.