Cat Dancers

Seven years in the making, Harris Fishman's HBO-produced documentary tells the story of New York couple Ron and Joy Holiday, childhood friends who went on to become world-renowned ballet dancers. When Ron felt he was getting too old to continue the strenuous activity of adagio, the pair decided to change things up: the gift of a leopard cub from actor and exotic animal enthusiast William Holden spurred the Holidays to move to Florida, where they incorporated big cats, including jaguars and tigers, into their act. Despite a strong emotional bond, however, the Holidays' relationship lacked a satisfying sexual dimension, and when the feline brood became unmanageable, the “Cat Dancers” expanded into a trio with the younger Chuck Lizza, who joined the Holidays in a ménage a trois. Inspired by Siegfried and Roy, Ron ultimately convinced his partners to bring in a white tiger, a move that paid dividends until tragedy struck and the show came to a permanent halt. Narrated by Ron Holiday, first-time filmmaker Fishman's Cat Dancers artfully integrates archival footage with scenes of Ron's present life (with his wigs and eyeliner, the 70-year-old Holiday still looks like a Vegas performer, but speaks from his heart and Fishman treats him with respect). Peter Salett's too on-the-nose closing number, “What a Beautiful Dancer She Was,” would've worked better as an instrumental, but otherwise this is a solid profile that will appeal to doc lovers. DVD extras include extended interviews. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)