A Dance Away tells the story of Ava, a college dancer who breaks her ankle during a performance a few months prior. Still traumatized and scared to go back on stage, her best friend, Riley, gives her a strange necklace, which mysteriously transports her into a realm. From there, she meets three dancers who give her a dance away.
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Review by Andie Kay:
Writer/Director Maxwell Gilbert brings to life a wonderful story of facing your fears through friendship and the help of your personal totems. This short film immediately draws you in with some beautiful cinematography and very creative camera work, giving you different perspectives and a clever use of depth of field. Layla Khan-Hickman was responsible for the artistry behind the camera.
I really appreciated that the film makers did not go with the stereotypical dancer physique for the leading role. It’s easy to see that Amy Bush is a graceful and talented dancer who knows her craft. Plus I liked the rapport among the cast, it was believable they were all part of this dance troupe.
The practical effects and lighting really helped sell the illusion of the totem dancers, and I especially loved the mirroring dance and how it helped Amy’s character regain her confidence. All of the dancers were so very amazing. If there was one thing I wished I could tweak, it would be the sound at the beginning. It was supposed to be muffled, but I wish it gradually grew in volume once they were all backstage so you definitely knew it was an intentional choice.
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