5, 6, 7, 8

Director Andy Milkis's documentary chronicles a year at Nova Jazz, an elite girls dance company in Bedford Hills, NY. Owner and choreographer Jenn is seen propped on a sofa in the studio two days prior to giving birth to her second child, overseeing the registration process. Although several people told her not to come, Jenn's determination is key to her leadership style, and during this season it leads to dissent in the ranks when she pushes the students to perform a piece they don't like, with disastrous results. As the narrative unfolds, the dancers' personalities emerge, and for every overheated spat or forced group-bonding session, there are genuine connections forged or strengthened. Many of the young women are applying to college and looking forward, while Jenn is essentially forced into being two places at once, helping to shepherd her charges along while also trying to find new recruits to keep the business afloat. After several flubbed performances and tearful rehearsals, the ensemble's final live production is a testament to the value of doggedly refusing to quit. DVD extras include audio commentary, bloopers, deleted scenes, and a photo gallery. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (H. Seggel)