Did you know that dancing can be a powerful form of self-expression?
It's true!
Just like crows are one of the most intelligent animals on planet earth, the characters in the movie Feel the Beat discover that dancing allows them to communicate their deepest emotions without saying a word.
Directed by Elissa Down and starring Sofia Carson, Enrico Colantoni, and Wolfgang Novogratz, this 2020 American family dance comedy-drama film takes us on a captivating journey filled with laughter, tears, and of course, some seriously impressive dance moves.
So, get ready to feel the beat and join me as we dive into the synopsis and complete story of this heartwarming cinematic masterpiece.
Synopsis
In "Feel the Beat," April Dibrina, a talented dancer with dreams of making it on Broadway, finds herself in a series of unfortunate events that lead to her being publicly embarrassed and evicted from her New York City apartment.
Forced to return to her hometown in Wisconsin, April crosses paths with her ex-boyfriend Nick and reconnects with her old dance teacher, Miss Barb.
Miss Barb invites April to coach the town's dance team for a competition, and although she initially declines, April realizes that this opportunity could be her chance to save her career. She accepts the offer and begins a rigorous training regimen that initially alienates the young dancers.
However, as April bonds with the team and becomes a better teacher, they start to improve and grow closer.
Throughout the competition, April faces challenges and setbacks, including taunting from dancers from another troupe who mock her failure in New York. Despite these obstacles, April and the team persevere, and their hard work pays off as they advance to the state finals.
As April and Nick rekindle their relationship, the dance team faces their biggest test yet at the finals. With the support of their families and the determination to prove themselves, the team delivers a stunning performance.
However, April's dreams of a Broadway career are reignited when she is offered the lead in a new show by Welly Wong, a renowned choreographer.
In a moment of realization, April decides to honor her commitment to the New Hope dance team and returns to Atlantic City just in time to encourage them before their performance. Reconciling with her dancers and embracing her newfound purpose, April finds love and fulfillment in teaching and performing.
In the end, April performs in Welly Wong's show while continuing to teach her dance class in Wisconsin through video chat. On opening night, Welly surprises April by bringing the New Hope team to celebrate with a dance party.
As they dance in the street, April's former sponsor, Ruth Zimmer, drives by, appalled by the joy and success she sees.
Chapters
- Introduction
- Main Actors
- Plot Summary
- Screenplay Writers
- Main Character
- Central Theme
- Cast Members
- Setting
- Genre
- Review
- Message
Introduction
"Feel the Beat" is a 2020 American family dance comedy-drama film directed by Elissa Down. It tells the story of April Dibrina, a professional dancer who returns to her small hometown in Wisconsin after failing to find success on Broadway.
Reluctantly, she agrees to train a group of young dancers for a big competition.
The movie was released on June 19, 2020, and has a runtime of 107 minutes.
Main Actors
The main actors in the film "Feel the Beat" (2020) are:
- Sofia Carson as April Dibrina
- Wolfgang Novogratz as Nick
- Donna Lynne Champlin as Barb
- Enrico Colantoni as Frank Dibrina
- Dennis Andres as Coach Buzz
- Rex Lee as Wellington 'Welly' Wong
These are the main actors in the film, but there may be additional supporting actors and actresses as well.
Plot Summary
The movie follows April, a big shot dancer who blows an audition that turns bad, causing her to move back home to a small town where she tries to teach and coach a bunch of misfit kids for a big competition.
After failing to find success on Broadway, April returns to her small hometown and reluctantly is recruited to train a misfit group of young dancers for a big competition.
Along the way, April must face her past and work to fix her reputation.
Screenplay Writers
The screenplay for Feel the Beat was written by Michael Armbruster and Shawn Ku.
Main Character
The main character portrayed by Sofia Carson in the 2020 movie "Feel the Beat" is April Dibrina. April is a 20-something dancer who returns to her small hometown in Wisconsin after failing to find success on Broadway.
She agrees to help a group of young dancers train for an upcoming competition, hoping it will be her ticket back into the world of dance.
Central Theme
The central theme of the movie "Feel the Beat" is about starting over, life choices, community, ambition, and the importance of working together. The movie follows April, a selfish dance instructor, who learns kindness and patience from her misfit students.
The film is about love, hope, and redemption, and it is filled with a whole lot of heart.
It is a fun, enjoyable movie aimed at tweens and teenagers, with a solid moral worldview that stresses humility, commitment, and working together.
While the movie is a bit predictable, it is vibrant, enthusiastic, and fills you with vigor and passion for life.
Overall, "Feel the Beat" is a family film that follows a Broadway hopeful as she desperately climbs to the top, but a little fumble forces her to return to her hometown and confront her past.
Cast Members
The cast of Feel the Beat includes several notable actors and actresses, including:
| Actor/Actress | Character |
|---|---|
| Sofia Carson | April Dibrina |
| Wolfgang Novogratz | Nick |
| Donna Lynne Champlin | Barb |
| Enrico Colantoni | Frank Dibrina |
| Rex Lee | Wellington 'Welly' Wong |
| Brandon Kyle Goodman | Deco |
| Marissa Jaret Winokur | Herself |
Other cast members include Dennis Andres, Marcia Bennett, Shiloh Nelson, and Lidya Jewett.
Setting
The setting of the film "Feel the Beat" is primarily in the city of New York and the small town of New Hope in Wisconsin. However, despite the setting of the story, the film was entirely filmed in and around Toronto.
The film follows the story of April, a failed Broadway dancer who returns to her hometown and is recruited to train a group of young misfit dancers for a big competition.
The film combines elements of family, dance, comedy, and drama.
Genre
According to Netflix, the movie "Feel the Beat" belongs to the following genres: Family Movies, Kids & Family Movies, Drama Movies, Comedy Movies, Teen Movies. Rotten Tomatoes lists the genre as Drama.
Review
According to a review on Common Sense Media, the movie has some stressful undertones and a negative and unkind attitude from the dance instructor during the first half of the movie. However, Sofia Carson has described the movie as a comedy.
Message
The overall message or takeaway from the film "Feel the Beat" is that kindness, love, hope, and redemption are important aspects of life. The movie explores themes of starting over, life choices, community, ambition, and the importance of working together.
It emphasizes the power of personal growth and the impact that one person can have on others.
The protagonist, a professional dancer turned reluctant instructor, learns the value of kindness from her students.
The film also showcases the transformative power of dance and the joy it can bring.
Overall, "Feel the Beat" is more than just another dance movie, as it delves into deeper themes and messages.
Discussion topics
Final reflections and implications
So, you've just finished watching Feel the Beat, huh? What a whirlwind of emotions that movie was! From the catchy dance numbers to the heartfelt moments, it's safe to say that this film had it all. Now, let's dive into the story and unpack some of the thought-provoking aspects that left us pondering long after the credits rolled.
First and foremost, let's talk about April Dibrina, played brilliantly by Sofia Carson. April is a talented dancer who dreams of making it big in Broadway. However, life doesn't always go according to plan, and she finds herself back in her small hometown, teaching a group of misfit kids for a dance competition. It's a classic tale of redemption and self-discovery, but what struck me the most was the underlying message of finding joy in unexpected places.
Throughout the movie, we see April's transformation from a self-centered and ambitious individual to someone who learns the true value of community and friendship. It's a reminder that sometimes, the path to success isn't a straight line, and the detours we take can lead us to something even more fulfilling.
Another aspect that stood out was the portrayal of the supporting characters. From Nick, the charming love interest, to Barb, the tough but caring dance mom, each character brought their own unique flavor to the story. It's a testament to the power of a strong ensemble cast, where every actor shines in their respective roles.
But beyond the dance routines and the character arcs, Feel the Beat also touches on deeper themes of forgiveness and second chances. April's strained relationship with her father, Frank, played by Enrico Colantoni, adds a layer of complexity to the story. It's a reminder that sometimes, the hardest person to forgive is ourselves, and that healing can only begin when we let go of past mistakes.
As the credits roll and the music fades, Feel the Beat leaves us with a sense of hope and inspiration. It reminds us that life is a dance, and sometimes, we just need to let go and feel the beat. So, the next time you find yourself facing unexpected detours or setbacks, remember April's journey and embrace the joy that can be found in the most unlikely places.
In the end, Feel the Beat is more than just a dance movie. It's a story about finding your rhythm, embracing the unexpected, and discovering the beauty in the imperfect moments. So, go ahead, dance like nobody's watching, and let the beat guide you towards your own unique path.
Feel the Beat | Trailer oficial | Netflix
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Links and references
Or maybe you haven't watched it and are trying to figure out if the movie is for you:
Rhythm, dreams, and unexpected twists, a dance film that will leave you breathless - OG1 2020
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