The Spirit Moves

About This Movie

So, 'The Spirit Moves' is this deep dive into the landscape of Black social dance, stretching from 1900 to 1986. Mura Dehn really takes you on a journey through decades of rich archival footage, and it’s just fascinating to see how these dances evolved over time. The pacing can feel a bit slow, but it’s part of the charm, allowing you to soak in the vibrant performances. You get not just the dance, but the social context—each clip tells a story, a slice of life that's often overlooked. It’s like a living history book, raw and authentic, with a tone that’s both celebratory and reflective of the struggles within the African-American community. There’s a real beauty in the way it captures the spirit and resilience of a culture.

Features nearly six hours of archival footage.Chronicles the evolution of Black social dance.Captures cultural and social contexts of the time.