An uplifting documentary that is also realistic about the obstacles faced by its subjects, Amanda Lipitz's Step focuses on girls in the first class of the Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women, a charter high school that aims to place each of its graduates in an institution of higher learning. Some time is devoted to the efforts of the administrators—principal Chevonne Hall and guidance counselor Paula Dofat—but the emphasis is on the school's extracurricular step dance program, which is designed to instill confidence and camaraderie while also encouraging strong classroom performance. Overseen by demanding but compassionate coach Gari McIntyre, primary subjects Cori Grainger, Tayla Solomon, and Blessin Giraldo practice for a local competition. Cori is a shy but smart high-achiever with a supportive family, Tayla is the daughter of a single helicopter mom, and Blessin is an extrovert who struggles with her studies as the result of a fractured home life. Step follows this trio as they prepare for the tournament while also aiming to earn a graduation robe and secure college admission, set against the backdrop of the city's racial turmoil following the death of Freddie Gray and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement. While the film might have explained more about step—the actual creation of the team's routines gets short shrift—it does serve up a compelling feel-good success story even as it acknowledges that there is much more work to be done in education. Recommended. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary by director Amanda Lipitz, the behind-the-scenes segments “The Lethal Ladies of BLSYW” (3 min.) and “Inside the Rehearsal Room” (2 min.), deleted scenes (10 min.), a “Step Is Life” promotional featurette (2 min.), a music video, a photo gallery, and a bonus digital copy of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a fine documentary.] (F. Swietek)
Step
Fox, 83 min., PG, DVD: $29.99, Oct. 17 Volume 33, Issue 1
Step
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