Amidst the darkness of life, news and even the movies, comes something bright and positive as this short documentary that makes you alive, hopeful and positive about life and people. In 1984, director/editor Alison Nigh-Strelich went to cover the Debonair Dancers, a group in California focusing on teaching the art of dancing and life skills, with its main public target being people with Down syndrome, and/or with affected brain cognitions, and elderly couples.

Its founder was John Soiu, who also had a medical service of his own, but his main dedication and care was in bringing this community together, through dance classes and dance performances that helped those young men and women in developing their skills, to communicate with the world in a positive manner, and also proves that having a certain condition doesn't mean they can develop themselves. The young students show fine dancing skills on stage, in whatever music genre they're trying. And we also have the enthusiasm from the parents (one notable case was of a teen who had just come out of a coma but he wouldn't try to do anything at home except saying "No" and "Don't", but through those classes he was able to improve his condition and feel more confident); and also we have the young teachers, and John and his wife.

As the narration by the great Jack Lemmon comes along and the moments are bright and happy, it comes a little twist to make our hearts sink for a while. But no worries, it's life being thrown back at us and it comes with another twist, a little more magic. It's one of those things you expect from Hollywood doing it, but there are times life can be more cinematic than films itself, leaving you in wonder, curiosity and truly make you feel something great is happening in front of your eyes.

"Debonair Dancers" is one of those magic real life stories that really conquers the viewer from the get-go, through the inspirational acts of everyone featured here into making a little portion of the world a better and special place. The project continues to this date. 10/10.

The documentary is a form of non-fiction storytelling that aims to present factual information, insights, and perspectives on real-world subjects, events, issues, or people. Documentaries can cover a wide range of topics, including history, science, culture, social issues, nature, biographies, and more.

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Produced and directed by Alison Strelich, narrated by Jack Lemmon, about The Debonaire Special Dancers of Bakersfield, CA. This wonderful group was started decades ago by John Soiu and continues today under the direction of Sheri Fortino. The group fosters social and life skills while stimulating creativity and confidence in the special needs students it serves.

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Debonair Dancers

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