How to Dance in Ohio

How to Dance in Ohio is a fascinating, heartwarming, and intensely human documentary from 2015. Directed by Alexandra Shiva, the film centers around a group of teenagers and young adults in Columbus, Ohio, who are on the autism spectrum and who are negotiating the complexities of preparing for a traditional social rite of passage - the Spring Formal, a classic American prom. The film is both an intimate exploration of the lives of these individuals, and a broader examination of what it means to navigate social situations that many people take for granted, but which can be overwhelmingly complex and intimidating for individuals with autism.

The film tracks the progress of a group of clients at a therapy center for individuals on the spectrum. These teenagers and young adults, many of whom are graduating from high school, are working with their psychologist, Dr. Emilio Amigo, who runs a social skills group to help his patients build the confidence and navigate social atmospheres. With great sensitivity, he guides them through the process of understanding the nuances of social interaction, communication, and even romantically-oriented behavior.

They are preparing for the Spring Formal - a milestone event that represents not just a social gathering, but a critical step in their journey towards independence. It's an event filled with traditions like date-asking, dress-picking, and slow-dancing, that most would consider typical but become more challenging in the context of their diagnosis. The documentary is not just about the lead-up to the event itself, but acts as a prism through which the viewers understand the realities of living with autism, and the everyday difficulties faced by individuals on the spectrum and their families.

The film follows three main characters, Marideth Bridges, Jessica Sullivan, and Caroline McKenzie, giving viewers a detailed, deeply personal insight into their lives. Marideth is a 16-year-old whose dream is to go to college; Caroline is 19, and is struggling to find a job; and Jessica is 22, and is grappling with the challenges of an independent life away from her parents.

These young women, supremely courageous and unflinchingly honest, open their lives to viewers, inviting them into their homes, sharing their anxieties, their hopes, and their triumphs. Their struggles to understand social cues, interact with others, and manage their fears and anxieties are depicted with great respect and empathy, making the narrative a compelling watch.

The potency of How to Dance in Ohio lies not just in the empathetic portrayal of its subjects but also in its avoidance of simplistic narratives. It neither overly dramatizes nor trivializes the difficulties faced by these individuals and their families but instead lays bare the realities of their lives, warts and all. The film reveals their individual fears and anxieties, their missteps, and moments of triumph, and ultimately celebrates their unique abilities and quirks.

How to Dance in Ohio admirably resists the urge to streamline the narrative into a one-size-fits-all depiction of autism. Instead, it underscores the wide spectrum of behaviors, abilities, and personalities of those who live with the condition, thereby upending many of the stereotypes associated with it.

The potent emotional depth of the film is complemented by a thoughtful, minimalist aesthetic that avoids melodrama or artificiality. The camera work is meditative, capturing small details of the characters' routines and interactions with a tender, observant eye. It beautifully visualizes the everydayness of their experiences, giving the narrative a tangible weight and texture.

By following this group of young people through their journey towards the Spring Formal, How to Dance in Ohio becomes a testament to the sheer determination, resilience, and courage of individuals on the autism spectrum. The film underscores the basic human need for connection, belonging, and acceptance - a need that transcends all differences and binds us together.

With How to Dance in Ohio, Alexandra Shiva has crafted a tender, memorable rumination on youth, resilience, and the transformative power of coming-of-age rituals. It is a must-see documentary not only for those who seek to understand more about autism but also for anyone who appreciates deeply human stories that tug at heartstrings, and stir thought-provoking dialogues about inclusivity, compassion, and acceptance.