My Favorite Dance Movie: Angelika Tagupa
From Billy Elliot to Black Swan, dance has provided an intense backdrop to some of the big screen’s most emotional stories. Dancers, in turn, are inspired by films which revolve on their chosen calling. In this series, the artists of Ballet Manila share their thoughts on the dance movies that made an impact on them, that they relate to and which they have grown to love.
Yeh Ballet tells the story of two underprivileged Mumbai teens who pursue their dancing dreams against the odds.
“Discovered by an eccentric ballet master, two gifted but underprivileged Mumbai teens face bigotry and disapproval as they pursue their dancing dreams.”
That, in a nutshell, is how the story of the documentary/drama is described in its promotional materials. Yeh Ballet was originally released in 2020 and continues to be seen on Netflix. Ballet Manila company artist Angelika Tagupa only stumbled upon the film when it was suggested to her after watching two Bollywood movies on the streaming platform. But the story resonated with her so much, particularly since it was inspired by a true story, that she now considers it as her favorite dance flick.
Yeh Ballet is a film feature made by Sooni Taraporevala, a fictionalized version of her own documentary about the struggles of two Indian ballet students who, despite lacking support from their parents because of their socioeconomic and religious backgrounds, still push through with their passion for dance and hold on to their dreams of becoming dancers.
Angelika especially likes the scenes where Asif and Nishu, the main characters, are being coached in class as she can easily connect it with her own experiences as a dancer. “When we’re just starting, we often wonder how we’ll ever reach the level of dancing seen in classical productions, since what we’re taught are the basics like pliés, tendus, and proper turnout. The progression of the movie shows how Asif and Nishu improve throughout their training, and that a simple plié can eventually lead to a grand jeté.”
Another scene that she admires is when the teacher asks Asif to demonstrate the rond de jambe combination in class. “Unlike other dancers who focus on getting the steps right, Asif dances with épaulement [nuanced positioning of the arms, head and shoulders in relation to the lower body]. He wasn’t solely focused on doing the steps; he was dancing. When I get nervous before a show, my mind sometimes jumbles up the steps and corrections, and I even visibly shake on stage. This scene reminded me to simply embrace the dance and let go.”
Angelika says she can relate to both Asif and Nishu because like them, she has also faced doubts and misunderstandings about choosing dancing as a career. “Their perseverance reminds me that passion can overcome limitations,” she notes.
One particular line that Angelika is drawn to in Yeh Ballet is when the teacher, played by the British actor Julian Sands, remarks how talent can come from anywhere. “It struck me because it reminds me that opportunity shouldn’t depend on privilege or background. Dance can be an expensive pursuit. The costs of classes and proper attire can quickly add up, especially in more advanced levels where we have to use pointe shoes.”
Angelika says she is always in awe of some of her co-dancers who, even without coming from affluent backgrounds, are among the strongest people she knows. “I deeply admire the dedication they put into their work and will always be cheering them on. It also made me think that while Asif and Nishu were naturally talented, it was their hard work that truly brought them to greater heights. That kind of drive doesn’t come from luck; it grows from one’s own determination.”
The movie’s message that passion can break barriers of class, culture, and expectation is something Angelika subscribes to. “Even in the Philippines, there’s still a stigma around pursuing a career in the arts. We’re often dismissed as hobbyists if we’re not yet at the top, or told that it’s not a ‘real job,’” she points out.
For her, Yeh Ballet perfectly underscores that art is real work. “It reminds me that though this career may not make me wealthy, I’m rich in fulfillment because I get to live doing what I love and share the wonders of dance with the Ballet Manila community. People should watch it because it celebrates perseverance and the power of dance.”
For Angelika Tagupa (center, in Le Corsaire), Yeh Ballet is a must-watch because it celebrates perseverance and the power of dance. Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag
