In 1972, Simi Linton was a 23-year-old anti-war activist traveling to a demonstration when a car accident killed her husband and best friend and left her severely disabled. After rehabilitation, Linton found that her use of a wheelchair made it nearly impossible to navigate streets and buildings, leading to a heightened awareness of the obstacles faced by others in similar circumstances that resulted in her becoming active in the struggle for the rights of the disabled—a campaign that turned out to be instrumental in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. But while this uplifting documentary, co-directed by Linton and Christian von Tippelskirch, admirably portrays that political fight in the broadest sense, it also focuses on Linton's own life, becoming a virtual autobiography that emphasizes her indomitable will. As the title indicates, the film focuses on dance as a metaphor for access and acceptance, seizing on Linton's love of rhythmic movement—and refusal to give up the joy it brings her—as a symbol not only of her own liberation from the confinement that her physical condition imposes, but also as a signal to others in similar situations that they can express themselves in ways that carry their own beauty. Invitation to Dance is at once a solid account of a major social movement, the story of a courageous woman, and a celebration of how people who might have previously been warehoused by society can demonstrate their creativity and drive. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)
Invitation to Dance
(2014) 86 min. DVD: $149 ($349 w/PPR). DRA. Kino Lorber Edu. Volume 30, Issue 3
Invitation to Dance
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
Order From Your Favorite Distributor Today: