When the Beat Drops (2018) is a documentary directed by Jamal Sims. The movie stars Anthony Davis, who started a new dance style for men, called bucking.
This highly intricate and physically demanding unison dancing was actually initiated by women cheerleaders at Jackson State University, and other historically black schools. Gay men (primarily) were inspired by the women, and developed a style similar to their style.
As we learned in the documentary, these men are often the subject of discrimination at school, at the workplace, and at home. Becoming part of a buck-dancing team is a form of bonding that the men can't find elsewhere.
Buck-dancing as an art form doesn't appeal to me. However, the film works as a window into a different--and important--world.
We saw this movie at Rochester's independent Cinema Theatre. Although most dance films work much better on the large screen, this one will also work well on the small screen.
The movie was half of double-feature presented as part of ImageOut Extra! ImageOut sponsors the excellent Rochester LGBT Film Festival every October. During the remainder of the year, they offer occasional viewings like this one. Their activities, including the Festival, make the Rochester area a better place to live for everybody.
