"Call Me Dancer"

Dance Movie/Documentary of the Month

“Call Me Dancer” (2023)

"This film goes beyond being just a story about a dancer. It’s a powerful narrative of struggle, resilience, hope, empathy, and love."

In the bustling streets of Mumbai, a young, talented street dancer named Manish Chauhan defies his parents' wishes for a traditional career path and embarks on a journey that will change his life. Along the way, he finds an unlikely mentor in the grumpy Israeli ballet master, Yehuda Maor.

Review

If you’re in need of inspiration, this is a must-watch documentary. From the very first moments, I was completely immersed in Manish's story. His journey from the streets of Mumbai to discovering the beauty and discipline of ballet is as uplifting as it is compelling. Whether you’re a dancer or not, you'll find yourself drawn into the emotional roller coaster of his pursuit, which speaks to anyone who’s ever chased a dream.

The film introduces us to Yehuda Maor, a 70-year-old former dancer who sees something special in Manish. At first, a teacher and coach, Yehuda's role gradually evolves as he recognizes that his star pupil is outgrowing the lessons he can teach. In a beautiful moment of self-awareness, Yehuda embraces his role as a mentor—one who doesn’t just teach technique but also opens doors to opportunities. This film powerfully illustrates what it truly means to be a coach, someone who guides, supports, and believes in their students beyond the choreography.

Manish faces numerous pivotal decisions throughout the documentary, each one challenging him to take bold leaps of faith in his quest to become a professional, paid dancer. These moments of determination and risk are thrilling, showing how success doesn’t come without sacrifice or the courage to push past your limits.

“Call Me Dancer” is not just the story of one man's pursuit of dance—it’s a testament to the power of mentorship, the importance of embracing change, and the relentless spirit of chasing your dreams, no matter the odds. If you’ve ever doubted your own journey, this documentary will reignite that spark and remind you what it means to keep pushing forward.

Enjoy and get inspired!

WDSN Team