“How She Move” is sprinkled with cliché bits and pieces from past dance movies such as “Stomp the Yard,” “You Got Served” and “Step Up.”
But the film’s precise cultural depiction, great acting, electrifying dancing and showcase of true stepping puts “How She Move” on a stage all its own.
“How She Move” was written by Annmarie Morais who has a way of making dance movie clichés disappear.
The director, Ian Iqbal Rashid, leaves out the usual gloss and glam of urban dance dramas, ultimately adding to the film’s authenticity. Rashid captures the true depiction of the Jane-Finch corridor, without the big names. The Jane-Finch corridor is a multi-ethnic Toronto community.
The main character, Raya Green, is played by newcomer and recent Juilliard graduate, Rutina Wesley. Raya leaves her Caribbean-Canadian community to attend private school with hopes of later attending medical school. But after the sudden drug overdose death of her sister, her parents can no longer afford her tuition and she must return to the graffiti-packed walls of public school.
Raya soon falls back into the stepping scene of her old neighborhood. She tries to balance the need to get out and back into private school with her love for stepping, all while coping with the death of her sister. With Bishop, played by Dwain Murphy, and the JSJ crew, her chance arrives with the Step Monster competition and a $50,000 grand prize. Bishop is the leader of JSJ which is one of the best all-male step teams in the area.
The first stepping scene between Raya and old friend Michelle, played by Tre Armstrong, is caused by a confrontation between the two. Michelle lost respect for Raya for “slumming,” or being a traitor. The scene is solid and gives a mild glimpse into what to expect, but will leave viewers waiting on the edge of their seats for more.
Wesley’s performance as Raya is flawless. From one scene to the next, Wesley leaves you wanting to fight, cry and dance. She is able to capture an assortment of emotions with ease. In addition, Wesley’s performance is pushed over the top with her spectacular dance moves.
With hip-hop, island-inspired beats and exceptional acrobatic dancing, “How She Move” is destined to have viewers jumping from one emotion to the next, and leaving theaters with a sense of inspiration.
Danielle Meadows can be reached at [email protected].
