Strike a Pose

This doc is a bit lazy (it does not go into much detail on the cultural relevance of Madonna at her peak of 1989 - 1991) but will appeal to those of us who were in our teens to mid-20s at that time. From the BA tour to the release of TOD, Madonna was the center of the universe. Her PR at the time said she was giving the dancers an opportunity and it was up to them to exploit it after the tour. (This was never mentioned in the film but is my recollection.) Sadly, none have achieved what would be considered success in the material sense: most seem to live hand to mouth. If they had more maturity and some good guidance at the time, they may have developed careers of note - perhaps even judging DWTS and choreographing big names but mostly spiraled down and those that sued Madge? Well, let's just say she holds a grudge. This doc is a little sad, yet their impact at the time on some was significant. Ultimately, this will appeal more to those of us born in the 60s - mid-70s and does not have wide appeal. Yes, Madonna exploited them but in her world view she also gave them an opportunity.

I knew about this documentary a few years ago but I never had a chance to watch it until last night! I absolutely loved it! Of course, I loved Truth or Dare when it came out back in the 90's. So how could I not love this?

I guess to understand my love for this movie so much, you have to understand what Madonna was back in the early 90's. She was groundbreaking and innovating back then. It was unheard of for such a mainstream performer to practically worship the gay scene and put it in the public's face the way Madonna did...along with these dancers. As a young gay men at that time it meant so much to me to see this happening right in front of my eyes and I began my own journey, realizing, that it was okay to be gay. And I owe that to the guys in this movie. I wish could tell them what they did for me back then.

One touching aspect of the film is Oliver, the only heterosexual dancer in the group who stated that he was extremely homophobic before the tour experience but he came away from that with the feeling that gay men can be his brothers too!

Very nice. I'll be forever thankful to whoever thought this documentary up. It was great to see these guys again after all these years.

These dancers were truthful as to what that experience meant to them but they also are clear that they have moved on with their lives.

It was really interesting to follow up on their lives. They have had so many struggles through the years trying to find their way in life. Although the guys don't hold resentment, I must say that this makes me dislike Madonna even more than I already did. In my opinion, she took hold of "kids" who thought they were family and when she was done with them, she was done...She's a very cold person.

This documentary is truly moving and teaches many lessons. As not having witnessed the HIV epidemic (born 1993), this docu gave me a harsh but eye opening impression what it would have been. But most of all the Irony of the tour and the emotion that it gets out of them, when they talk about it years later. This is pain, this life. Amazing.

What a fascinating exploration of seven dancers and the time they toured with Madonna. It brought back so many memories of the era. What I loved about this documentary was these men shared a very brief, crazy time in the spotlight, but they refused to be defined by this history. They have moved on, but they do recognize the importance of this time in helping them become the men they are.

It's hard to explain to people just how groundbreaking Madonna was. She was a global sensation who refused to be held to conventional ideas, gender lines and sexuality. At that time, with limited general knowledge, AIDS & HIV were thought to be a death sentence. People actually whispered the words. Coming out was a huge step, and many people lived in fear of being outed. Madonna played a huge part in instigating open discussions.

The physical beauty of the dancers is undeniable - their youth, prowess to command attention and ability is breathtaking. Thirty years later, their faces are still beautiful, and their stories continue to command attention. It was like seeing old friends, hearing their struggles - and some are heartbreaking - and feeling like their determination and spirits have helped them rise above and break free from what could have been a one-dimensional story.

Well done!