To Dance with Eleanor: A Story of the Leight Fantastics

What he lacks in dance talent, Warner Blake makes up for as a producer/director for this appealing ode to octogenarian and former Radio City Rockette, Eleanor Leight. A local historian/artist, Blake's interest in Leight began when he was asked to host an annual variety show in Snohomish, WA. After seeing the “Leight Fantastics” perform, Blake signed up for a year of Eleanor's adult dance classes to see if he could make the cut for the following year's show. While simultaneously tracking his own progress during rehearsals, Blake explores the life's work of a charming woman (whose classes have become a part of the community's culture) through the stories of the multiple generations—husbands and wives, mothers and daughters—who have danced with Leight. Combining oral histories with lovely footage of previous dance recitals and rehearsals (as well as the gentle strains of “I've Got Rhythm”), To Dance with Eleanor should appeal to anyone interested in dance or local history projects. DVD extras include bonus interview and dance footage. Recommended. Aud: P. (N. Egan)