Strictly Showroom! Dive into the Irresistible World of Dance
Join us at Showroom Cinema this Easter for a season of unmissable dance films sure to get the whole family moving and shaking! Featuring classic, cult and contemporary titles, this mini season is a selection of some of our favourite films showcasing the joy of dance and its ongoing connection to the dazzling visuals of the big screen. Highlighting stories of identity and self-expression, each film illustrates the wonderful power and possibility of dance.
This weekend is your last chance to catch Powell and Pressburger’s visually ravishing Technicolour classic The Red Shoes (U). Described by Martin Scorsese as “one of the true miracles of film history”, it tells the story of a young ballerina, Victoria Page (Moira Shearer), who finds herself torn between the demands of love and art. Cherished by filmmakers and dancers alike, The Red Shoes was heavily influential, with a legacy that continues to echo in Hollywood and beyond. It went on to inspire films such as Raging Bull, An American in Paris and Black Swan, with its timeless themes about the agony of art and self-expression. It is a rare treat to see this glorious dance classic on the big screen, so catch it while you can!
Also showing throughout the Easter holidays is Coppelia (U), a modern take on the much-loved ballet, combining enchanting animation and live action dance to bring the story to life like never before. When everyone in town falls under the spell of charismatic cosmetic surgeon Doctor Coppelius (Vito Mazzeo), feisty Swan (Michaela DePrince) must act to save her sweetheart, Franz (Daniel Camargo), before his heart is used to spark life into Coppelia – the ‘perfect’ robot woman the Doctor has created. Through Swan’s quest, the townspeople come to learn that in an increasingly image conscious culture – it has never been more important to be yourself!
From Monday 11th April, we’ll be screening John Waters’ cult classic, Hairspray (PG), a rare family friendly offering from the self-proclaimed Pope of Trash. The inspiration for a smash-hit Broadway musical and a subsequent 2007 film remake, Hairspray is the story of Tracy Turnblad – an infectiously optimistic teen with huge hair and great dance moves. When Tracy becomes the queen of the local TV dance show, she uses her newfound popularity to fight for racial integration in 1962’s Baltimore. Capturing all the gleeful garishness of the early ‘60s, Hairspray is a camp, colourful comedy full of dancing, music and heartfelt nostalgia.
Strictly Showroom! A Season of Dance on Film is screening at Showroom Cinema this Easter. Tickets are now on sale.
This article first featured in the Sheffield Telegraph on Thursday 07 April 2022.