June Butler sways to the beats of And Then We Danced.
And Then We Danced is a Swedish/Georgian film directed by Levan Akin. Set in a traditional Georgian dance school, it tells the story of a young performer, Merab (Levan Gelbakhiani), who forms part of a duo with another young dancer, Mary (Ana Javakishvili). Together, they hope to obtain a place in the National Ensemble – a much-coveted and extremely high honour. However, Merab’s hopes come under threat with the arrival of newcomer Irakli (Bachi Valishvili), a rebellious and carefree rival to Merab’s youthful reticence.
Merab feels threatened by Irakli and tentatively watches him from a distance. He is asked to perform a traditional dance with his partner, Mary. The teacher then asks Merab to retire, and Irakli is introduced. Irakli leaps and spins with visible passion – far more than Merab could ever muster. His movements are self-assured and mesmerising. Merab is transfixed and cannot turn away. A mixture of admiration and jealousy crosses Merab’s face. He is visibly in awe but defenceless against Irakli’s greater skills.
As time passes, Mary starts to have romantic feelings for Merab. She suggests they have sex, but Merab says that their first sexual encounter should be special, impassioned, and loving. He feels that they should wait. Mary feels saddened and rejected. She is unaware of Merab’s growing desire for Irakli but has reasonable suspicions, having intercepted a knowing gaze between the two.
One of the dancers decides to celebrate their birthday by inviting the entire troupe to their countryside home. The group drink, smoke, and spend the night in the house – girls in one room, boys in another. Merab wakes up and sees that Irakli is missing. He goes outside and finds him quietly sitting in the garden. They talk, smoke, and look at each other. Gradually, silence falls, and they tenderly embrace. Afterwards, Irakli behaves as if nothing has happened. Merab is overwhelmed and desolated.
Much is made of the intensely masculine style of dance, and tradition is emphasised. Male dancers have their specific hand movements, and they must not encroach on anything denoting a more feminised style. Merab is expected to abide by the rules of dance, and it is interesting to observe that as he comes to terms with his locus of desire and infatuation, the ability to sense more, achieve more, and scale greater heights increases with every moment. Merab sees who he is and is at peace with that revelation.
And Then We Danced narrates a beautifully gentle story about a young man’s desires and acceptance of what his heart most yearns for. The pace is exquisitely measured, stepped, and metered. For Levan Gelbakhiani, the sense is that further roles will bring an even greater level of poise and maturity. Levan Akin has directed a story of hope and bravery, despite audience resistance surrounding the subject matter when the film was first released.
And Then We Danced is available to stream online.