Love at First Dance

While Becca Tobin never jumps off the screen, there is still chemistry between her and Niall Matter. I haven't paid enough attention to Matter in the past, but I realized he is a solid half of the ... Father Christmas set of movies. And he does a great job in this one. You could see Eric grow in confidence as the story goes on, and underneath it he's falling in love.

Tobin is a steady presence throughout. I couldn't decide if she was a little too reserved, or just right, but you can understand easily how Eric could fall in love with Hope.

The third part of the triangle, Adriana, is no villain and compared to her Hope is downright giddy, but Adriana is supposed to be an unemotional rock.

Supporting characters are adequate if not great

I think the outline of the story could have been written by the viewer as soon as the background was established. These movies don't necessarily need surprises. But that means that one of the things this one had to do right was put the leads together as much as possible, and it did.

I usually don't like musical interludes that are often just there to avoid writing more plot, but in this case it was a nice dance interlude.

Niall Matter. He is the key for the feeling to see a little different Hallmark than you expect. Because he has the opportunity to confirm his beautiful skills, remarkable in others films of genre , obvious in this movie, to sustain, in strong and fair manner, romantic story not in sketches of acting but in real, serious sense. The second virtue - the dance and the music and the dance in Central Park and the dialogue between Adriana and Eric about the fall of idea of wedding. So, different Hallmark for the smart nuances of familiar story.

I love most Hallmark movies - especially the holiday-centric ones - and accept that the 2-dimensional male/female relationships often saturate the stories. This one breaks the mold - which makes it one of my favorites. The 'other woman' is not a witch from whom the male lead needs to escape. Instead, this story is about people I can relate to, realizing that they care for each other, but are not a perfect match for marriage. Add to this that I really don't like dance. It's okay - fun to do - but I would never buy tickets to see a dance show. Even so, the dance metaphor and sweet dance scenes are delightful. I love this movie, and the stars in it.

Hallmark movies tend to be formulaic. Blonde heroine, looking for love, smiling frantically at strong, handsome hero..She flutters her eyelashes just often enough, he remains appealing, but unattainable, she giggles and smiles frantically, he softens, and in the end, all is resolved with a kiss and a staged, contrived, silly-looking Hallmark wedding.

This movie defies all those cliches. .and therein lies its appeal. Both the heroine and the male lead have their own internal conflicts..each one has an ethic about their work and commitments, yet each one with dream that needs manifesting and deserves fulfilling. The conflict in both characters draws them to one another, ..yet there is nothing syrupy or typical in their attraction.

Of course, it's a Hallmark movie..so we know they will end up in each others arms..but the road they take to arrive there is so much more serious and mature than almost any Hallmark movie has dared to present. This film actually defies the typical route Hallmark movies take. For one, each of the leads is a fully mature, successful adult with a responsible work identity and obligations. Each has a personal goal, but obstacles that prevent an easy solution. In their relationship with one another, they find encouragement, and support for those dreams and goals..and this growing support between two people is portrayed in a mature and serious manner. There is no flirting, no silliness, no manipulation of one another.

The additional appeal in this film is the third lead, the 'other woman', who is portrayed as a serious, thoughtful, mature character. Her beauty and her deep, comforting voice make her all the more a realistic character and give her a sympathetic appeal.

This is a movie worth watching twice..There is much to enjoy (including some beautiful professional ballet segments) and, more importantly, much to learn about how to move through a life struggle and find ones dream and passion manifested.

Contrary to a previous viewer, I thought Becca was perfect for the role.

Not sure how to add a "goof" but pretty ridiculous that when they went to hear the band there were vocals but nobody in the band was singing.