Rebels on Pointe

Bobbi Jo Hart’s exuberant documentary serves up a portrait of a New York-based company of gay dancers who don pointe shoes and tutus to perform humorous routines that nonetheless demand exceptional skill (think of a Harlem Globetrotters-style act transferred to the ballet stage). Rebels on Pointe--which features occasional excerpts from performances (some quite droll) and appreciative comments from "serious" dancers and ballet critics--offers a summary of the troupe’s history, delivered for the most part by current artistic director Tory Dobrin; behind-the-scenes footage of dancers putting on their makeup and costumes; and revealing interviews with company members (one dancer amusingly recalls coming out to his mother, who drily informed him that his sexual preferences were no news to her). Some find romance with other dancers; others suffer injuries that threaten to curtail their continued participation; and one young Cuban immigrant is followed as he makes his way to America and finds acceptance and comradeship in the company. Audiences are seen responding enthusiastically to the troupe’s performances--they have become virtual rock stars in Japan, where they regularly tour. In a poignant moment, Dobrin observes that the company now has three married couples--which would have been unthinkable just a few years earlier. So while this is an engaging introduction to a unique dance company, it also touches on the troupe’s place in the context of the gay liberation movement. Extras include more than two hours of behind-the-scenes footage and additional interviews. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)