The romantic dance sequel works well as a standalone movie.
“High Strung Free Dance” is a rare case where a sequel outshines the original. While the first “High Strung” was an enjoyable romantic dance film, it was just a fun watch. “High Strung Free Dance,” however, is much more engaging and stands on its own as a story about the transformative power of artistic creation and Romanticism, with a compelling love triangle thrown in for good measure.
The Story and Characters of High Strung Free Dance
The film follows three performers living in New York City. Zander Raines (Thomas Doherty) is a young but famous choreographer creating a new Broadway show called “Free Dance.” Barlow (Juliet Doherty) is a struggling Broadway dancer, and Charlie (Harry Jarvis) is a talented composer and pianist working as a delivery driver. Raines hires them to bring his creative vision to life, and the three find themselves entangled in a love triangle.
If you’ve seen the first film, you’ll notice that the sequel feels quite different. The only connection to the original is the character Oksana (Jane Seymour), a dance teacher at the Manhattan Conservatory of the Arts. In this sequel, Oksana plays a bigger role as the story revolves around her daughter, Barlow. Oksana wants Barlow to pursue a career in classical ballet, but Barlow has her own dreams and ambitions.
Ultimately, “High Strung Free Dance” feels more like a story set in the same universe as the first film rather than a direct sequel.
The Supporting Players
In addition to the talented main cast, the film features some fantastic supporting characters. Desmond Richardson, Ace Bhatti, and newcomer Jorgen Makena, who plays a Britney Spears-like pop princess competing with Barlow for the lead in the Broadway show, all stand out. There are also fun cameos, including Nigel Lythgoe from “So You Think You Can Dance.”
One of the most compelling supporting characters is Rose, portrayed by the brilliant Kika Markham. Rose is a reclusive former pianist who shares a heartwarming friendship with Charlie. Her scenes hint at the “madness” involved in creativity, which becomes evident in the choreography during the final sequence.
The Inventive Choreography
The script by Janeen and Michael Damian is solid, with good acting, especially from Thomas Doherty, and a convincing love triangle. The original soundtrack is excellent, but the real star is the innovative choreography. From a unique 1920s jazz number to some sexy dance partnering, the choreography is brilliant and brought to life by talented dancers.
The final dance sequence is the highlight of the movie. If Lord Byron and Percy Shelley were choreographers, they might have created this 15-minute dance finale. This sequence makes the movie stand out, thanks to Tyce Diorio’s award-worthy choreography, which is some of the best ever seen in a dance film.
Overall Thoughts
While the movie is good, it doesn’t quite reach the writing standards of classics like “Dirty Dancing” or films featuring Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire. However, the choreography is genuinely innovative, with the 15-minute dance finale being pure perfection.
If you love movies like “Center Stage,” appreciate Romanticism, and adore dance as an art form, this film is a must-see.
Where to Watch
The movie releases this Friday, October 11th. Check out your local theater listings to see it on the big screen while you can.
Content Note: Rated PG for some language.
