Ruth Leon recommends…Secundaria – Cuban National Ballet School
Ruth Leon recommendsSecundaria – Cuban National Ballet School
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Secundaria is a world class documentary by Mary Jane Doherty which quietly follows one high school class on its journey through Cuba’s world-famous National Ballet School. The teens love to dance, but for many of them dance is also their sole escape from a life of poverty. The film is as much about life in Cuba as about the ballet. There is much untranslated Spanish but it’s usually obvious what is being said.
The documentary begins as an observational portrait, following three highly talented students, but in their third year of school the main character, Mayara, takes charge of her destiny in an astonishing way. Suddenly this simple portrait takes a dramatic turn as Mayara’s action surprises everyone: teachers, friends, family and, ultimately, the filmmaker herself.
This is a terrific recommendation, but why now? It’s a 2014 film. Available free on Kanopy in some locations. (Happily including mine).