Like Air

While filmmaker Jake Viramontez's documentary wants to tell a story that has a universal and timeless theme—centering on winners and losers in competitive performance—it will likely have little appeal to anyone other than teen girls who dance or supporters of same. An often dull and redundant film, Like Air follows several adolescent girls in different parts of the U.S. who are vying for one of several top slots in regional dance competitions. The winners will move up to a national contest—the film's big climax—with predictable tears and cheers as competitors dance their hearts out only to fall prey to judges' subjective perceptions. Between these showcases, we spend a lot of time with the individual girls, attending dance classes, and watching them work with talented choreographers and motivational studio trainers. Unfortunately, by the time the victor is chosen here, the kids—along with their goals and aspirations—have all somewhat blurred together. Optional. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)