It’s not an elevator breakdown that will prevent young Lucie, a paraplegic, from participating in the audition for a talent competition. Thanks to the muscular arms of two friendly candidates, she climbs the flight of steps and is able to perform in front of the jury because, against all expectations, Lucie dances. Not with his legs, but with his arms, his back, his head, his face. Thanks to her mother’s efforts, Lucie does not live on benefits, she has a job – seamstress in a workshop – but her secret dream is elsewhere, in the limelight.
How can we take on this crazy passion and convince those around us – and society as a whole – that dance and motor disabilities are not necessarily incompatible, that this association can produce beauty and emotion? Loosely inspired by the story of Magali Saby, this TV film by filmmaker Jean-Pierre Améris (Émotifs anonymous, Marie Heurtin) accompanies the young woman on the path to her emancipation. A journey punctuated by obstacles, physical and psychological challenges, but also beneficial encounters, like with this former opera soloist hospitalized in the same rehabilitation center as Lucie. Beyond the first rough exchanges, both will help each other.
Communicative energy and enthusiasm
Despite a very predictable storyline and a sometimes hesitant interpretation, Danse ta vie is carried by the energy and infectious enthusiasm of Magali Saby, who plays herself. His partners are not unworthy, from Adèle Wismes as a hospital comrade with spicy humor to Samuel Mercer, horrifying at will as a former star dancer transformed into a tyrannical professor.
Valérie Karsenti, for her part, turns out to be very touching in the role of Lucie’s mother, a mother hen who has sacrificed her personal life for the well-being of her daughter and who does not understand that she is throwing everything away to pursue risky dreams. A fear that is undoubtedly shared by many parents whose children want to pursue an artistic career.
