Following the rhythm within

To dance, one must have the rhythm and beat. Some are born dancers while others learn. It is not all about winning or losing a competition but being yourself. This was shown with one of my favorite movies, Strictly Ballroom.

Before the success of Nicole Kidman and Leonardo DiCaprio in 2001’s Moulin Rouge and 1996’s Romeo + Juliet, Baz Luhrmann has captivated audiences around the world with this story of love on the dance floor.

In the movie, we see Scott Hastings (Paul Mercurio) being groomed for the upcoming Pan Pacific Dance Competition. But during the pre-eliminations, Scott and his partner lose the competition due to his flashy moves, thus upsetting his mother and Les.

One evening, after practice, Scott rehearses his own choreography. Unknown to him, he is being watched by Fran (Tara Morice), a nerdy looking beginner. Fran offers Scott to be his partner which he refuses until he sees how she can move. He accepts and they train secretly.

In the next scenes, secrets are slowly  revealed as Barry Fife, the president of the dance federation plots to destroy the credibility of Scott. He was responsible for destroying Doug Hastings’ reputation and he will do anything to destroy the chances of Scott in winning the dance competition. Scott and Fran go through hardships, as Scott’s mother and people around them tries to prevent them from dancing. Refusing to follow his mother’s rules, Scott goes to Fran and is caught by Fran’s father. He shows them how he can dance which Fran’s family laughed at. Scott then discovers that one must dance not by the choreography but with the rhythm and heart. It is also in this scene that Scott discovers that he is falling in love with Fran. He utters the words, “Do you know what I said about the Rumba being a dance of pretend love? Well, I think I made a mistake.” He eventually kisses her.

In the climax of the story, Scott discovers the truth about his father. Doug Hastings was a former dancer. Barry then tells Scott to make the right choice: Either to win for his father or dance with Fran. He goes to the competition with his former partner. During the dance competition, Scott’s friend Wayne discovers Barry’s sinister plans and tells Les to the dismay and anger of the old man. Doug finally tells Scott the whole truth about his dance career and is shock to discover the lies Barry told his son. Shirley reveals her secrets as well. Scott then runs after Fran outside the dance hall and asks her forgiveness and they run to the competition. Barry then tries to disqualify them but Doug claps to the rhythm as the audience joined him. Scott and Fran finally dances in winning the competition and each other’s hearts.

I love the movie because it teaches the values of patience and love. People will always try to control the dreams of many but Scott showed the whole world how he can do it on his own. In one of my favorite scenes the final dance sequence with Fran, he simply followed his heart, his beat and rhythm. One must not be restricted because one will always grow in learning new things. And this is how Baz Luhrmann’s movie did it to me by feeling the rhythm of life.